Connecticut Expands Foreclosure Mediation Program

Foreclosure Mortgage Servicing Mortgage Modification

On June 18, Connecticut enacted HB 6355, which expands the state’s existing foreclosure mediation program and adds new mortgagee requirements. Specifically, the bill extends the foreclosure mediation program to (i) cover the disposition of property through means other than foreclosure, including short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure, and (ii) foreclosure actions with return dates of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. The bill also, among other things, (i) establishes a pre-mediation process, (ii) requires mortgagees to provide to a borrower a complete financial package in connection with a request for a foreclosure alternative and provide to a mediator and the borrower an account history and related information after receiving notification that the case has been assigned to mediation, and (iii) establishes expedited foreclosure procedures for vacant and abandoned properties. The bill becomes effective on July 15, 2013.