A California legislator is advancing efforts to extend mortgage forbearance protections for homeowners impacted by last year’s Los Angeles wildfires, aiming to provide longer-term financial relief as recovery continues.
Assemblyman John Harabedian announced new legislative action to extend mortgage forbearance eligibility for wildfire survivors, allowing affected homeowners to pause mortgage payments for up to two years without facing foreclosure. The proposal builds on earlier relief measures designed to assist families whose homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by wildfire damage.
The legislation, known as AB 1847, is intended to help stabilize housing for wildfire victims as they rebuild their homes and finances. By extending the allowable forbearance period, the bill ensures homeowners are not forced into foreclosure while navigating insurance claims, reconstruction delays, or temporary displacement.
“Wildfire victims continue to face incredible challenges and need additional support as they continue to rebuild their lives. By extending mortgage forbearance for up to two years total, AB 1847 will ensure that families are not subject to foreclosure while they recover and get back on their feet,” said Assemblymember Harabedian.
Under existing provisions, eligible homeowners can initially receive mortgage forbearance relief and request extensions depending on their circumstances. The proposed expansion would significantly lengthen that relief window, recognizing that wildfire recovery can take years rather than months.
Assemblyman Harabedian emphasized that protecting homeowners from foreclosure is a critical component of broader disaster recovery efforts, noting that financial stability plays a key role in helping families return to their communities. The extension aims to give residents time to secure insurance proceeds, access rebuilding assistance, and restore their properties without the immediate burden of mortgage payments.
The proposal is part of a broader legislative package focused on wildfire recovery and housing stability, reflecting growing concern among policymakers about the long-term housing impacts of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires in California.
Housing advocates and policymakers have increasingly recognized mortgage forbearance as an essential tool in disaster response, helping prevent forced displacement and preserving homeownership in vulnerable communities.
If approved, the extended forbearance protections would provide meaningful financial breathing room for wildfire survivors while supporting housing stability in wildfire-prone regions, reinforcing California’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster recovery protections for homeowners.
