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S 117 111th Congress Senate Housing and Community Development Civil actions and liability Contracts and agency Fraud offenses and financial crimes Housing finance and home ownership

A bill to protect the property and security of homeowners who are subject to foreclosure proceedings, and for other purposes.

Introduced: January 6, 2009 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jan 6, 2009
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S89-92)
Jan 6, 2009
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S89)
Jan 6, 2009
Introduced in Senate
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Act of 2009 - Prohibits a foreclosure consultant from: (1) receiving compensation from a homeowner for services performed regarding residential real property until such consultant has fully performed each service contracted for; (2) holding power of attorney from any homeowner, except to inspect documents; (3) receiving consideration from a third party in connection with services rendered to a homeowner regarding the foreclosure, unless such consideration is fully, clearly, and conspicuously disclosed before such services are rendered; (4) accepting any security to secure compensation for services rendered regarding foreclosure of the residential real property; or (5) acquiring any interest in the residence of a homeowner with whom the consultant has contracted.

Sets forth contract requirements. Permits a homeowner to cancel such contract without penalty or obligation.

Declares void and unenforceable: (1) any waiver by a homeowner of the protections provided in this Act; and (2) any contract that does not comply with this Act.

Requires a loan servicer to notify a homeowner of the dangers of fraudulent activities associated with foreclosure if the servicer finds that the homeowner has failed to make two consecutive payments on a residential mortgage loan at risk of foreclosure.

Subjects a foreclosure consultant who fails to comply with this Act to liability for actual and punitive damages and for attorneys' fees.

Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the states to enforce this Act.

What's happening now January 6, 2009

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S89-92)

 Committees of jurisdiction 1