Your Rights as a Homeowner Facing Foreclosure in California

California Homeowner Bill of Rights (HBOR)

Enacted in 2013, the HBOR gives California homeowners specific protections against lender misconduct.

No Dual Tracking

Your servicer cannot simultaneously process your loss mitigation application AND advance the foreclosure. Once you submit a complete application, the foreclosure must pause during review.

Single Point of Contact

You have the right to a dedicated contact at your servicer — someone who knows your case and can give you accurate status updates.

Written Denial with Explanation

If you're denied a modification, the servicer must tell you why in writing.

Right to Appeal

You have 14 days to appeal a denial before the servicer can proceed to sale.

Federal Protections Under RESPA

Federal law requires servicers to acknowledge loss mitigation applications within 5 business days and evaluate all options before foreclosing.

How NFDA Enforces Your Rights

When servicers violate these protections, NFDA knows how to respond — documenting violations, escalating to regulators, and coordinating with attorneys when legal action is warranted. Visit www.thenfda.com.