Foreclosure Laws

In reaction to the nationwide foreclosure crisis, and the many abuses that went along with it (like robosigning, dual tracking, foreclosure rescue scams, to name a few) the federal government and many state governments enacted laws aimed at:

  • preventing mortgage lender and servicer abuses in foreclosures
  • protecting homeowners from foreclosure rescue scammers
  • providing homeowners with alternatives to foreclosure (like loan modifications), and
  • encouraging homeowners and mortgage servicers to explore foreclosure alternatives through mediation.

In addition to these new laws, two big settlements with some of the biggest banks resulted in some rule changes as well. Below you can find articles on the newest laws and settlements in the foreclosure field.

Federal laws protect homeowners when facing foreclosure.

If a lender starts a foreclosure against you after the statute of limitations has expired, you can raise this issue as a defense.

The CFPB's new ability to pay rule requires mortgage lenders to make sure a borrower can afford a mortgage before issuing the loan.

The 2013 HOEPA Rule adds more protections for homeowners taking out certain mortgages with high interest rates or fees.

The FHA recently made changes to the availability of certain types of reverse mortgages, including the popular standard fixed-rate Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).

The new federal periodic statement rule requires mortgage lenders and servicers to provide homeowners with prompt, regular, and accurate information about their mortgage loans.

Do you have an Ocwen mortgage? Learn about foreclosure relief for homeowners with Ocwen mortgages.

A loan servicer can't foreclose on your home while considering your loan modification application.

Federal law restricts when and how a mortgage servicer can make you pay for expensive lender placed insurance it buys on your behalf.

Federal laws protect homeowners when facing foreclosure.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Facing foreclosure? Put together a plan. Take action.
Regain your financial freedom and fix your credit report with this pair of books designed to help you take control of your personal finances, get a hold of your spending, and make sure that your credit report is accurate.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

FACING FORECLOSURE ?
Talk to a Foreclosure attorney.
We've helped 75 clients find attorneys today.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please enter a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please enter a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Please enter a valid Case Description
Description is required
How It Works
  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you