Federal housing protections have ended – Learn how to avoid foreclosure and eviction
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Some important federal protections put in place to protect homeowners from foreclosure and renters from eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic ended on July 31. If you are having trouble making your rent or mortgage payments, it’s important to take action to prevent foreclosure or eviction.
Help for renters
As a renter—or a landlord—you can apply to a state or local program for money from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. This money can cover back rent, including utilities, that came due during the COVID-19 pandemic. Money may also be available to cover moving costs.
Use our Rental Assistance Finder to search for a program in your community
If you’re worried about eviction, here’s what to do
Help for homeowners
If you’re behind on your mortgage, it’s important to work with your mortgage servicer as soon as possible to come up with a plan to avoid foreclosure. Starting August 31, 2021, most mortgage servicers must tell you about your repayment or other options when they reach out to you. Except in limited circumstances, before January 1, 2022, a servicer cannot start the foreclosure process without first reaching out to you and evaluating your complete application for options to help you avoid foreclosure.
Learn more about updated rules for mortgage servicers and how to take action to prevent foreclosure