§ 34-27-3.1. Foreclosure counseling. (a) No less than forty-five (45) days prior to initiating any foreclosure of real estate pursuant to subsection 34-27-4(b), the mortgagee shall provide to an individual consumer mortgagor written notice of default and the mortgagee's right to foreclose by first class mail at the address of the real estate and, if different, at the address designated by the mortgagor by written notice to the mortgagee as the mortgagor's address for receipt of notices.

(b) The written notice required by this section shall be in English and Spanish and, provided the same is then available, shall advise the mortgagor of the availability of counseling through HUD-approved mortgage counseling agencies and, the toll-free telephone number and website address maintained to provide information regarding no-cost HUD-approved mortgage counseling agencies in Rhode Island. The written notice may also contain any other information required under federal law. A form of written notice meeting the requirements of this section shall be promulgated by the department of business regulation for use by mortgagees at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of this section. Counseling shall be provided at no cost to the mortgagee.

(c) Failure of the mortgagee to provide notice to the mortgagor as provided herein shall render the foreclosure void, without limitation of the right of the mortgagee thereafter to reexercise its power of sale or other means of foreclosure upon compliance with this section. The mortgagee shall include in the foreclosure deed an affidavit of compliance with this section.

(d) As used herein and in this chapter, the term "HUD" means the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and any successor to such department.

History of Section. (P.L. 2009, ch. 376, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 384, § 1.)