Foreclosure Prevention
Mortgage late? Don’t wait. Call 877-462-7555.
If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, help is available early and at no cost. Acting quickly gives you more options to keep your home.
Get free help now
Start by talking to a housing counselor. These counselors are approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provide free, objective guidance. They can help you understand your options and work with your lender.
- Housing Counselors List: Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that offers foreclosure counseling and serves your area
- Maryland HOPE hotline: 1-800-569-4287
- National homeowners HOPE hotline: : 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
If foreclosure has started
If you received a Notice of Intent to Foreclose (NOI) or Order to Docket (OTD):
- Contact a legal services provider that serves the area where your home is located.
- Do not ignore court notices or deadlines
- Check hearing information on the Office of Administrative Hearing’s website
Legal services providers list
Service Area | Nonprofit Legal Services Providers | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Allegany County | 301-722-3390 | |
Anne Arundel Prince George's | 240-391-6370 | |
Baltimore City | 410-539-5936 | |
Baltimore City - Only assists tenants impacted by foreclosure | 410-625-9409 | |
Baltimore City | 410-366-8550 x249 | |
Caroline Dorchester Kent Queen Annes Somerset Talbot Wicomico Worcester | 410-690-8128 | |
Statewide - reduced fee legal assistance for moderate-income households | 443-853-1011 | |
Statewide | 888-213-3320 | |
Statewide | 410-547-6537 (9am-12pm, Monday-Thursday) | |
Statewide | 410-837-9379 |
Foreclosure mediation
Mediation is a formal meeting between you, your lender, and a neutral judge to find a solution. This is a legal process with strict deadlines.
- You must live in the home as your primary residence
- You must request mediation within 25 days of receiving notice
- You must include a non-refundable $50 fee when you file your request
Do not wait. If you miss the 25-day window, you will not get another chance for mediation.
The Office of Administrative Hearings provides information on foreclosure mediation hearings.
Avoid foreclosure fraud and scams
Protect your home from scammers who target homeowners in distress. State-approved counseling is always free. Be cautious of anyone who:
- Charges upfront fees to help with foreclosure
- Asks you to sign over your deed or transfer ownership of your home
- Requests mortgage payments be sent somewhere other than your lender
- Promises they can “save” your home or guarantee to stop foreclosure
Report fraud and scams
If you suspect foreclosure fraud or a scam, report it immediately:
- File a complaint with the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation or call toll-free: 1-888-784-0136.
- File a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division or call 410-576-6550
Foreclosure prevention tips
If you are struggling, take action early:
- Contact your lender immediately and ask about loss mitigation
- Do not ignore notices from your lender or the court. They contain important legal deadlines.
- Meet with a housing counselor and prepare financial documents
- Review your budget and expenses
Free counseling is available 24/7 through the national HOPE Hotline: 1-888-995-HOPE
HUD provides additional resources for avoiding foreclosure.
Additional resources
If foreclosure cannot be avoided, support is still available, including:
- Resources for renters
- Help for homeowners
- Call Maryland 211 (1-800-492-0618 or 211) for help with food, utilities, health services, family crisis, financial, legal, employment and other issues.
- see our housing locator service or call 1-877-428-8844.
Go to Resident Resources on MD.gov for information on housing, health, employment, utilities, transportation and other assistance from the State of Maryland.