If you're a homeowner facing foreclosure due to missed mortgage or housing payments, or if you have questions about foreclosure, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods can provide referrals to free legal counseling and housing. Working with a counselor as soon as possible can help you avoid foreclosure and may help address other related issues. Assistance is also available for tenants who are at risk of eviction due to foreclosure.

Due to COVID-19, there are additional protections in place that may assist homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure.

Counseling can provide homeowners with:

  • Help with applying for COVID-19 mortgage relief including forbearance, loan modifications, and financial assistance for homeowners with hardships
  • Help with the foreclosure process, including reverse mortgage foreclosures
  • Assistance in understanding your non-retention options (short sale, deed-in-lieu)
  • Advice on how to avoid predatory lending and protection against mortgage rescue scams
  • Loan assistance, available through Sustainable Neighborhoods, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and wholly owned subsidiary of the Center
  • Advice and counsel or legal representation in a foreclosure settlement conference and/or court case
  • Referrals to trusted real estate brokers
  • Assistance in finding and securing alternative housing
  • Assistance working with mortgage servicers

Online

Visit CNYCN's foreclosure website.

By Phone

Call 311 for assistance.

The New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF) will provide assistance to homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure, displacement or default due to hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through NYS HAF, homeowners will be able to get financial support to address any late payments and speak to housing counselors, case managers or legal service providers.

Applications are no longer being accepted. Eligible homeowners may join the NYS HAF waiting list. If additional funding becomes available, the program may contact you to request a full application.

Applications are processed in the order they were received. Application submission does not guarantee you will receive financial assistance.

More information is available online and by phone.

Online

Learn more about the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Register for the NYS HAF waiting list.

By Phone

The NYS HAF call center is staffed with live operators who speak multiple languages. They can assist you with any additional questions you have about the program, including application status or waiting list registration.

New York State and the federal government have passed laws or regulations to provide relief to homeowners who are unable to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19 or who are at risk of or in foreclosure. 

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued an emergency regulation requiring that New York State regulated financial institutions provide residential mortgage forbearance on property located in New York. This will be for a period of 90 days and applies to any individual residing in New York who can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about the Emergency Regulation.

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