Actions in Particular CasesActions for the Foreclosure of Mortgages
Section § 725
This law allows the person or entity holding a mortgage or deed of trust on a property, or their successors, to initiate a foreclosure if the borrower defaults. Foreclosure must be carried out according to the legal rules and procedures that apply to mortgages.
Section § 726
This law explains the process for recovering a debt or enforcing rights when someone defaults on a mortgage tied to real estate. It allows the court to order the sale of the property to cover the debt, costs, and other expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees if the mortgage includes them. If there's still money owed after the sale, known as a deficiency, the court can decide if the person is personally liable for it unless certain legal prohibitions apply. People with unrecorded claims or liens on the property aren't included in these proceedings but are still affected. Additionally, if a mortgage covers property in multiple counties, it can all be sold in one county. Special rules apply for loans involving fraud, but these don't affect small, single-family, owner-occupied homes. Lastly, lawsuits related to fraud don't count as deficiency judgments, which means they have different consequences.
Section § 726.5
This law covers situations where a property used as loan collateral becomes environmentally unsafe. A lender has two choices if the borrower's payments are overdue: they can either give up their claim on the affected property and pursue a claim like an unsecured creditor, or enforce their claim like a mortgage holder. Before giving up their lien, the lender must notify the borrower and confirm the property's impaired status through court. The law also defines key terms such as affected parcel, borrower, environmentally impaired, hazardous substance, and secured lender. It's important to note the law doesn’t affect existing contractual rights and only applies to loans made or modified after January 1992.
Section § 727
If there's extra money left over after paying off a debt secured by a property, the court can decide who should get that leftover money. Until they decide, the money can be kept with the court.
Section § 728
This law explains what should happen when someone owes money secured by a mortgage or similar lien. If the borrower can't pay the full amount yet, just enough of their property should be sold to cover what's currently owed and any sale costs. Once the debt grows or more payments are due, more property can be sold, if needed. However, if selling the property piece by piece would cause problems, the whole property can be sold at once to settle the entire debt, with adjustments made for any interest that might not be owed yet.
Section § 729.010
This law explains what happens when a mortgage foreclosure on a property includes the possibility of a deficiency judgment, which means the property can be sold, but the original owner or debtor might still owe money if the sale doesn't cover the debt. The important part here is that the property must be sold with a 'right of redemption.' This means the former owner can buy back the property after it’s sold, but before the redemption period ends. The law also outlines how notices of sale should be handled: they should include important details like the debt amount and can be given as soon as the judgment for sale is entered, without waiting periods applied to certain other notices.
Section § 729.020
If someone loses their property in a foreclosure sale, they or their legal successor can still get it back by paying off what they owe. However, the person who bought the property at the foreclosure sale can't be considered the owner's successor for this purpose.
Section § 729.030
This law explains how long you have to redeem, or get back, property after it’s been sold in a foreclosure. If the sale brings in enough money to cover the debt, interest, and sale costs, you have three months to redeem it. If not enough money is raised, you have a year to do so.
Section § 729.035
This law says that if a home in a community managed by a homeowners' association is foreclosed by the association, the original owner can repurchase or 'redeem' the property within 90 days. This rule applies even if other laws suggest otherwise. It specifically involves certain procedures and conditions detailed in other sections of the Civil Code related to foreclosures by these associations.
Section § 729.040
When someone buys property that can still be reclaimed by the original owner, the officer in charge of the sale must give the buyer a certificate of sale and file a copy with the county recorder. This certificate should include details needed for different types of foreclosures and must list the prices paid for the property. It also needs to state that the property might be redeemed, explaining the time limit for redemption.
Section § 729.050
When property is sold and the previous owner has the right to buy it back, the officer or trustee in charge of the sale must quickly inform the previous owner (the one who lost the case) about this right. This notice should be given in person or sent by mail and must state how long they have to reclaim the property.
Section § 729.060
If someone wants to regain ownership of a property sold due to debt, they must pay a specific amount to the officer who oversaw the sale before the redemption deadline. If it's someone who inherits the debtor's interest, they must also provide proof of their ownership. The amount to redeem includes the sale price, taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and any necessary prior payments by the buyer, with added interest. Any income or benefits the buyer received from the property can be subtracted from these costs.
Section § 729.070
If there's a disagreement between the buyer and the person trying to buy back property (redeem) about the redemption price or the right to redeem, the person wanting to redeem can ask the court to decide. They must file this request before the redemption time ends, deposit the undisputed amount, and notify the levying officer. The petition must explain objections to the price and why the petitioner can redeem. A court hearing will be scheduled quickly, and the person redeeming must prove their case. The court will decide the correct price, and if more money is needed, it has to be paid within 10 days.
Section § 729.080
If someone wants to buy back their property after it's been sold due to a debt, they have to pay a specific amount called the redemption price within a certain time. If they miss the deadline, the person who bought the property gets a formal deed. However, if they deposit the money on time, they get a certificate showing they've reclaimed their property. If there's an agreement or a court order involved, and the buyer refuses the money, the levying officer will keep the money safe for five years, and it could eventually go to the county fund. Once someone redeems the property, the sale is undone, and they get back their ownership. But any prior claims on the property are wiped clean and don't come back after redemption.
Section § 729.090
This law section discusses what happens to a property sold at auction until it is potentially redeemed by the original owner. The person who bought the property can collect rent or profits from it during this time. However, if the property is later redeemed, the buyer must pay back these profits. The buyer also has the right to enter the property to make repairs and keep it in good condition, and they can ask the court to prevent damage or neglect of the property.
Section § 730
When a mortgage goes into foreclosure, it's up to the court to decide how much the attorney will be paid, no matter what the mortgage says about fees.
Section § 730.5
This law states that certain rules and sections do not apply to security interests in personal property or fixtures that are managed under the Commercial Code, unless another law specifically dictates otherwise.