What happens when you do not pay your mortgage

When you buy a home or other type of property and do not pay the mortgage, the lender can start the foreclosure process. This is when a lender repossesses a property and sells it. 

Learn more about how the foreclosure process works.

Communicate with your lender

As soon as you know that you are going to have trouble paying your mortgage: 

• Contact your lender immediately and let them know you are having financial difficulties. This gives your lender time to work with you to create a financial plan. 
• Do not stop paying your bills. 
• Seek help early. Do not wait until you cannot make payments before you act. 

Learn how to talk to your lender if you have trouble paying your mortgage.

Get help from housing counselors and programs

Government programs and housing counselors can help you learn about your options as you work to keep your home.

• Find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Learn about free local foreclosure prevention services. 
• Some states offer aid through the Homeowner Assistance Fund. It helps families having trouble paying their mortgage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Use the map to find your state’s Homeowner Assistance Fund program. 
• If you have a Federal Housing Administration loan, contact the FHA National Servicing Center at 1-877-622-8525. Learn how to work with your lender to avoid foreclosure. 
• Find a lawyer for low-cost legal help with your foreclosure case.