When foreclosure is looming, minutes matter, and early notice can save a home. Assembly Bill 2424 strengthens California’s long-standing “Request for Notice” under Civil Code § 2924b by requiring lenders, as of January 1, 2025, to inform borrowers about this right. With a simple recorded request, a trusted third party, family member, attorney, or housing counselor can receive critical foreclosure documents alongside the borrower, including the Notice of Default and Notice of Trustee’s Sale. Those alerts create time to intervene, offer resources, and prevent avoidable loss.
Suppose you’re a borrower, relative, attorney, or housing professional in California. In that case, knowing how to record a Request for Notice is crucial for non-judicial foreclosures on one- to four-unit homes. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, from what the law changed to completing forms, recording correctly, and troubleshooting common snags. You’ll learn why the right matters, how to apply it in real cases, and practical tips to maximize impact. AB 2424 improves transparency and access; your results still depend on timing and precision. Ready to act as a foreclosure watchdog? Let’s get started.
California’s foreclosure laws have long balanced lender efficiency with borrower protections, and the Request for Notice stands as a cornerstone of the latter. Under Civil Code Section 2924b, enacted decades ago, any interested party could record a request to receive copies of foreclosure notices related to a specific property. This mechanism ensures transparency, allowing allies to stay informed without owning the property themselves.
At its core, Section 2924b allows you to step into the information flow of a non-judicial foreclosure. Once recorded, the mortgagee, trustee, or their agent must mail you copies of the Notice of Default (NOD) within 10 business days of recording and the Notice of Trustee’s Sale (NTS) at least 20 days before the auction. For single-family owner-occupied homes, additional rules apply, including contact efforts by the servicer to explore alternatives.
The request must be filed in the county recorder’s office where the property is located, after the deed of trust is recorded but before the NOD. It includes your name, mailing address, and specifics about the deed, like parties involved and recording details. Importantly, this request does not affect property title or create any claim; it is purely for notification purposes.
Signed into law in September 2024, AB 2424 modernizes Section 2924b by requiring proactive disclosures. Lenders must now inform borrowers of this right at two pivotal moments: during the initial servicer contact (at least 30 days before NOD recording) and in writing before signing the mortgage or deed of trust. These notices highlight that third parties, such as family members, HUD-certified housing counselors, or attorneys, can record requests to assist in avoiding foreclosure.
This enhancement addresses a key gap: Many borrowers were unaware of the tool, leaving them isolated. Now, with mandatory alerts, more people can leverage it early. The law applies to residential foreclosures starting January 1, 2025, for new NODs, covering owner-occupied homes and small multifamily units but excluding commercial properties. Together, Section 2924b and AB 2424 create a robust system for early intervention, potentially stacking with other protections like sale postponements.
In a state where home values soar and economic pressures mount, foreclosures can strike swiftly, often catching even vigilant parties off guard. A recorded request acts as an early warning system, giving you time to review notices, advise on options like loan modifications or short sales, and connect to resources. For vulnerable borrowers, such as seniors or non-English speakers, this support can prevent unnecessary loss. As of late 2025, with delinquency rates stabilizing around 3.8 percent, tools like this promote equity preservation, benefiting communities by reducing vacant properties and stabilizing neighborhoods.
Not just anyone can jump in; eligibility ties to your relationship or role, ensuring the process targets genuine helpers.
Under AB 2424’s disclosures, the law spotlights specific third parties:
However, Section 2924b is broader: “Any person” with an interest can record, including friends, neighbors, or even nonprofits. The key is demonstrating a legitimate stake, like prior involvement with the property or borrower.
While third parties record independently, borrowers often initiate by sharing deed details during lender disclosures. If you are the borrower, discuss this right at closing or upon default signs. Provide the third party with the deed’s recording info to streamline their filing.
Requests are ineffective if recorded after the NOD or without proper details. They last one year unless renewed, and address changes require a new filing. For properties with multiple owners, index by all trustor names.
Recording is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your request is valid and timely.
Start by collecting the deed of trust or mortgage details:
If you lack the deed, request a copy from the county recorder for a small fee, or ask the borrower. AB 2424’s disclosures often include this info in lender notices.
Use the standard form language from Section 2924b:
“In accordance with Section 2924b, Civil Code, a request is hereby made that a copy of any Notice of Default and a copy of any Notice of Sale under the deed of trust or mortgage recorded on [date], in Book [ ], Page [ ], or Instrument No. [ ], executed by [trustor] as Trustor, to [trustee] as Trustee, in favor of [beneficiary] as Beneficiary, on the real property described as [legal description or APN], be mailed to [your name] at [your address].”
Acknowledge the form before a notary public. Include a statement: “The undersigned understands that a change of address requires the recording of a new request.” No filing fee applies beyond standard recording costs (typically $20-50 per document).
Templates are available from county recorders, title companies, or legal aid sites. Customize for accuracy.
Take the signed, notarized form to the county recorder’s office where the property is located. Some counties accept mail-in or e-recording via approved vendors. Include a cover sheet with recording instructions, like “When Recorded Mail To” your address.
Upon acceptance, the recorder indexes it under the trustor’s name and property address in the general index. You receive a stamped copy as proof. The request becomes effective immediately and lasts one year.
While recording triggers the duty, send a courtesy copy to the current trustee or servicer (listed on the deed or recent statements). Use certified mail to confirm receipt. This ensures they check records before issuing notices.
For owner-occupied single-family homes, if delivering directly, specify the address in the deed or last recorded request.
Check county records annually to confirm renewal. If the borrower refinances, file a new request for the updated deed. Track mailed notices; if missing, follow up with the trustee.
Tools like online recorder portals or apps for deadline reminders simplify this.
Recording seems simple, but pitfalls lurk. Here’s how to sidestep them.
File before the NOD to avoid invalidation. If default looms, act fast upon AB 2424 disclosures. Late filings? Wait for the next cycle or explore other interventions.
Double-check deed details against official records. Errors lead to rejection. If unsure, consult a title search service for $100-200.
Recording fees and processes differ by county (e.g., Los Angeles vs. rural areas). Call ahead or visit websites for specifics. Urban counties offer e-filing; others require in-person.
Some trustees overlook requests. If notices skip you, demand compliance in writing, citing Section 2924b. Escalate to the Department of Financial Protection if needed.
Pro tip: Partner with a housing counselor for free assistance in preparing and filing.
AB 2424’s notifications make recording more accessible by raising awareness.
Before signing, receive written disclosure: “A third party, such as a family member, HUD-certified housing counselor, or attorney, may record a request to receive copies of any notice of default and notice of sale.” This prompts early setup, ideal for proactive families.
Servicers must mention this during the mandatory call 30 days pre-NOD, explaining how it aids avoidance. Use this conversation to gather deed info and guide your third party.
These alerts reduce barriers, with early 2025 reports showing a 25 percent uptick in requests post-disclosure.
See how this plays out through everyday examples.
Your sister in San Diego faces default. Upon her servicer’s call, she shares the deed details. You record the request two weeks later, receiving the NOD on day 11. Spotting postponement options under AB 2424, you help her list the property, securing a buyer and canceling the sale.
As a HUD counselor in Fresno, a client designates you pre-default. Your recorded request brings the NOD; you schedule a session, explore modifications, and avert auction through a repayment plan.
A friend in Oakland records for her parents’ home but forgets the renewal. The NOD arrives late; the sale proceeds. Lesson: Set annual reminders to refile, especially post-refinance.
These tales show recording’s versatility, from prevention to recovery.
This tool amplifies AB 2424’s suite.
Use NOD copies to advise on submitting listing agreements for 45-day delays or purchase contracts for another 45, totaling 90 days.
Alerted to the NTS, intervene if bids fall below 67 percent of value, challenging undervalued sales.
Combine with third-party counseling referrals for holistic support.
Recording carries no title risks but imposes duties on trustees: Failure to mail invites damages, though sales to bona fide purchasers stand. Beneficiaries must update trustee addresses.
For requesters, confidentiality applies; use the info ethically.
As AB 2424 matures, expect digital enhancements like statewide e-recording portals. Advocacy may extend request durations or automate renewals. Courts will clarify disputes, solidifying its role.
Recording a Request for Notice under AB 2424 and Section 2924b is your gateway to foreclosure vigilance, delivering timely info to intervene effectively. From gathering deed details to notary stamps and county filings, the process empowers third parties to shield borrowers from loss. Do not wait for a crisis; leverage lender disclosures, prepare forms, and file proactively.