Attorney General Masto Promotes Awareness for “Home Owners’ Bill of Rights”


March 6, 2014

LAS VEGAS – Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto urges consumers to become familiar with increased protections. Senate Bill 321 became effective October 1, 2013.

    “The ‘Homeowners’ Bill of Rights’ provides homeowners with greater protections before and during the foreclosure process,” said Masto. “It is important that homeowners stay informed about their options regarding foreclosures.

      One provision requires servicers to contact and provide notice to homeowners of their foreclosure alternatives prior to initiating the foreclosure process. In addition, if a lender initiates a judicial foreclosure case, that homeowner now has the right to attend foreclosure mediation. Homeowners can learn more about the Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program by visiting http://foreclosure.nevadajudiciary.us.

        “Foreclosure mediation provides homeowners with an opportunity to discuss viable options regarding their home loans. Many homeowners have been successful in finding alternatives that allow them to remain in the home or receiving funds to assist with relocation,” said Verise Campbell, Deputy Director of the Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program.

          Additional homeowner benefits include:

          • Fixed timelines for servicers to respond to homeowners’ applications for loan modifications and short sales.
          • Required written notification to homeowners of any deficiencies in their applications or to offer the reason(s) for denying the homeowners’ requests for loss mitigation assistance along with information about the appeal process. 
          • If a homeowner chooses to appeal the denial, the lender is now barred from “dual tracking,” or moving forward with the foreclosure until the appeal stage is completed.
          • Homeowners now have a private right of action for any violations of the law.

            Nevadans who are seeking information regarding what types of foreclosure alternatives may be available to them are encouraged to contact the Home Again Homeowner Relief Program. Through Home Again, Nevadans can be connected with HUD approved counseling agencies that can help them navigate through the modification process.

              Home Again is a one-stop shop for information, providing consumers with information and assistance free of cost. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. More information about the Home Again Program is available by phone at 1 (855) 457-4638 or online at www.HomeAgainNevada.gov.

                ###