HUD — Homeowner Resources
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the primary federal agency responsible for housing policy, fair housing enforcement, and homeowner protection. For homeowners facing forec
About HUD
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the primary federal agency responsible for housing policy, fair housing enforcement, and homeowner protection. For homeowners facing foreclosure, HUD provides HUD-approved housing counseling, administers FHA loan programs, oversees the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), and enforces fair housing laws. HUD-certified housing counselors provide free, impartial advice about foreclosure prevention options, loan modifications, and avoiding foreclosure rescue scams — a service that has helped millions of homeowners navigate financial hardship.
Website
www.hud.govJurisdiction
National (all 50 states, DC, territories)
Key Programs & Protections
HUD sets national housing policy, insures FHA mortgages, funds housing counseling agencies, enforces fair housing laws, and provides grants to states for foreclosure prevention programs including the Homeowner Assistance Fund.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
Free or low-cost counseling from HUD-certified agencies covering foreclosure prevention, budgeting, credit repair, and loss mitigation. Counselors can help you prepare a complete loan modification application and negotiate with your servicer. Find a counselor at hud.gov or call 1-800-569-4287.
FHA Loss Mitigation Programs
Special foreclosure prevention options for FHA-insured loans, including FHA-HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program), partial claims (interest-free loans to cure arrears), and pre-foreclosure sale programs. FHA loans have more generous modification terms than conventional loans in many cases.
Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
A $9.961 billion program administered by HUD through state housing agencies, providing mortgage reinstatement assistance, payment assistance, and housing-related cost relief for homeowners affected by COVID-19 and other hardships. Each state runs its own HAF program — eligibility and benefits vary.
Fair Housing Act Enforcement
HUD investigates complaints of housing discrimination, including discriminatory lending practices, redlining, and servicer discrimination. If your foreclosure involves discriminatory treatment by a lender or servicer, a HUD complaint may be an important part of your defense.
Making Home Affordable (MHA)
The umbrella program for numerous foreclosure prevention initiatives, including HAMP, HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives), and the Principal Reduction Alternative. While some MHA programs have expired, their frameworks continue to influence current loss mitigation options.
How to File a Complaint
HUD investigates complaints of housing discrimination through the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discriminatory act. File online at hud.gov, by phone at 1-800-669-9777, or by mail using HUD Form 903. HUD will investigate, attempt conciliation, and if conciliation fails, may issue a charge of discrimination or refer the case to the Department of Justice. HUD complaints are free and do not require an attorney.
Enforcement Actions
HUD has significant enforcement authority including: issuing charges of discrimination, imposing civil penalties (up to $21,039 for first violations), referring cases to the Department of Justice for litigation, suspending or debarring lenders from FHA programs, and issuing mortgagee letters that change FHA servicing requirements. Notable recent enforcement includes actions against major servicers for FHA servicing violations resulting in hundreds of millions in settlements.
Homeowner Resources
- •Free HUD-certified housing counseling: call 1-800-569-4287 or visit hud.gov/findacounselor
- •FHA Resource Center: 1-800-CALL-FHA (1-800-225-5342) for questions about FHA loans
- •HUD's Avoid Foreclosure guide: comprehensive information about options at every stage of delinquency
- •HUD's Loan Modification Checklist: step-by-step guide to preparing a complete application
- •State HAF portals: find your state's HAF program at treasury.gov/HAF
- •HUD's complaint process for housing discrimination: file online or call 1-800-669-9777
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a HUD-certified housing counselor help with my foreclosure?▼
Does HUD directly stop foreclosures?▼
What's the difference between HUD and the CFPB?▼
Need Help Navigating HUD Programs?
Understanding your rights with HUD is critical — but applying them to your situation takes expertise. Professional Law Assist knows how to leverage HUD programs and protections to build the strongest possible defense. Get a free case review and learn exactly how HUD's rules apply to your foreclosure.
Get Your Free Case Review →Related Services & Resources
Get Your Free Full Case Review
Tell us about your situation — our senior legal team will review every detail and contact you within 24 hours with a tailored plan. No obligation. 100% confidential.
Submit Your Information
Tell us about your situation in complete confidence.
Case Analysis
Our legal team reviews your documents and foreclosure status.
Receive Your Strategy
We outline your best options and recommended path forward.
We Get to Work
Your dedicated team begins protecting your home and rights.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Every day matters when facing foreclosure. Get your free, confidential consultation and learn your options — no obligation.
Available Monday–Friday · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Pacific