Essential legal information for mortgages

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May 5, 2025

Navigating mortgage challenges can be overwhelming. But even if you’re behind on payments (or know you’re going to be behind), you still have legal rights. We’ve updated our content on mortgages to help guide you through this.

  • Getting a mortgage. Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It’s also one of the most expensive. Unless you can afford to pay for your new home yourself, you’ll probably need a mortgage. Learn what’s involved in getting a mortgage, and key things to watch for.

  • If you're having difficulty paying your mortgage. Worried that you might miss a mortgage payment? Maybe you’ve already missed one, or more? It’s important to take quick action to avoid losing your home. Learn about your rights and options if you’re having difficulty paying your mortgage.

  • If you're facing foreclosure. Worried that you might lose your home because the bank is threatening to take it? If you default on your mortgage, the lender can start legal proceedings to take the property or sell it to pay the mortgage debt. This legal process is called foreclosure. Learn what to expect and what options you have if you’re facing foreclosure.

We've also posted two new Q&A pages: one on the specific concerns of a condo owner who is struggling to pay the mortgage, and one for tenants whose landlord is facing foreclosure.

As always, these pages are written in plain language by BC-based lawyers, with step-by-step guidance on what you can do to resolve or avoid legal problems. 

This website explains in a general way the law that applies in British Columbia, Canada. The information is not intended as legal advice. The cases we refer to reflect real experiences, but names have been changed. See our full disclaimer.

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