50 U.S.C. §3953
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SCRA — Mortgages and Trust Deeds (Foreclosure Protection)

Protects servicemembers from foreclosure during and after military service. HOAs with lien foreclosure authority must verify military status before proceeding.

Status Active
Verified Aug 5, 2026

Reviewed · Federal changes feed

Statutory Text Verified Aug 5, 2026 · OTHER
Quick search by citation: 50 U.S. Code § 3953 - Mortgages and trust deeds prev | next (a) Mortgage as security This section applies only to an obligation on real or personal property owned by a servicemember that— (1) originated before the period of the servicemember ’s military service and for which the servicemember is still obligated; and (2) is secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage. (b) Stay of proceedings and adjustment of obligation In an action filed during, or within one year after, a servicemember ’s period of military service to enforce an obligation described in subsection (a), the court may after a hearing and on its own motion and shall upon application by a servicemember when the servicemember’ s ability to comply with the obligation is materially affected by military service— (1) stay the proceedings for a period of time as justice and equity require, or (2) adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties. (c) Sale or foreclosure A sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property for a breach of an obligation described in subsection (a) shall not be valid if made during, or within one year after, the period of the servicemember ’s military service except— (1) upon a court order granted before such sale, foreclosure, or seizure with a return made and approved by the court ; or (2) if made pursuant to an agreement as provided in section 3918 of this title . (d) Misdemeanor A person who knowingly makes or causes to be made a sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property that is prohibited by subsection (c), or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. (Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, title III, § 303, as added Pub. L. 108–189, § 1 , Dec. 19, 2003 , 117 Stat. 2847 ; amended Pub. L. 110–289, div. B, title II, § 2203(a) , July 30, 2008 , 122 Stat. 2849 ; Pub. L. 111–275, title III, § 303(b)(4) , Oct. 13, 2010 , 124 Stat. 2878 ; Pub. L. 112–154, title VII, § 710(a) , (b), (d)(3), Aug. 6, 2012 , 126 Stat. 1208 ; Pub. L. 115–174, title III, § 313 , May 24, 2018 , 132 Stat. 1356 .) Editorial Notes Codification Section was formerly classified to section 533 of the former Appendix to this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section. Prior Provisions A prior section 303 of act Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, art. III, as added Oct. 6, 1942, ch. 581, § 12, 56 Stat. 772 , related to settlement of cases involving stayed proceedings to foreclose mortgage on, resume possession of, or terminate contract for purchase of, personal property, prior to the general amendment of this Act by Pub. L. 108–189 . See section 3954 of this title . Another prior section 303 of act Oct. 17, 1940, ch. …
Enforcement
Ref Requirement
Before filing a foreclosure complaint or sending notice of sale, the HOA must run the owner through the DoD military verification system. Skipping this step risks felony liability and damages.
(c) An HOA cannot foreclose on an active-duty servicemember's assessment lien — or do so within one year after their service ends — without first obtaining a court order. Self-help and non-judicial foreclosure are barred.
Legal references last verified August 5, 2026. This content is educational and informational. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
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