Massachusetts Finalizes Foreclosure Regulations

Foreclosure Mortgage Servicing Mortgage Modification

Last week, the Massachusetts Division of Banks adopted revised foreclosure and mortgage modification regulations. The amendments implement a 2012 law that makes it harder to foreclose in that state, including by creating a pre-foreclosure modification notice requirement for creditors. The amended regulations (i) establish the processes for a borrower and creditor with regard to the borrower’s right to request a loan modification, (ii) establish the actions that constitute a borrower’s good faith response to a creditor’s notice of the right to request a loan modification, (iii) define good faith efforts by creditors to avoid foreclosure, and (iv) establish safe harbors for creditors that comply with the loan modification process. The new regulations take effect on June 21, 2013 and must be implemented by September 18, 2013.