Last updated: July 28, 2026 Act first if sewage or unsafe water is an immediate danger Leave the affected area and call 911 if sewage or floodwater is near live electricity, the floor or ceiling may collapse, you smell gas, or anyone is having trouble breathing. Stop using toilets, sinks, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Do not wait for HAF if a foreclosure sale, tax sale, court date, shutoff, or insurance cancellation is scheduled. Apply if eligible, but also contact your servicer, a HUD-approved counselor, and legal aid today. An application may not stop the deadline. Bottom Line: As of July 28, 2026, the national … Read more
Last updated: July 27, 2026 A contractor may have taken a deposit, disappeared, abandoned unsafe work, damaged the house, or demanded more money. Act quickly, preserve evidence, and avoid anyone promising guaranteed recovery. Bottom line: Make the home safe, stop pending payments, save every record, contact the contractor in writing, and use the route that … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Leave first if the home is unsafe. Call 911 for fire, injury, a gas smell, live wires, structural collapse, or another immediate danger. Do not enter a flooded, burned, or storm-damaged home until local officials say it is safe. Bottom line: Insurance is usually the first source of money for … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Unsafe entrance or exit? Do not rely on loose boards, an unanchored portable ramp, or a helper who cannot safely manage the chair. If a person cannot leave during a fire or medical emergency, call the local fire department’s non-emergency line for safety guidance. Call 911 for immediate danger. Bottom … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 If the home is unsafe right now: Call 911 for a serious fall, fire, collapse, carbon monoxide symptoms, or another medical emergency. Leave and call the gas company if you smell gas. Call the electric utility for live wires or sparking equipment. Do not wait for Medicare or a repair … Read more
Last updated: July 27, 2026 If You Already Signed or Your Name Disappeared From the Deed Act now. Do not wait for the contractor, investor, or salesperson to explain it. If someone is threatening you, trying to remove you from the home, or entering without permission, call 911. For a suspected forged deed, deceptive transfer, … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Get out first if the home may be dangerous Call 911 for a fire, serious injury, trapped person, active flooding, downed power line, strong gas smell, or another immediate threat. Follow evacuation and reentry orders from local officials. Do not enter a damaged building just to take photos. For emergency … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 If the Leak Is Dangerous Right Now Leave the area and call 911 if the ceiling may collapse, water is touching live wiring, there is smoke or fire, a tree is resting on the home, or someone is trapped or hurt. Do not climb onto a wet, steep, icy, or … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Is the home dangerous right now? Leave the area and call 911 for fire, gas odor, collapse, exposed live wiring, carbon monoxide, or another immediate threat. For a shutoff, no heat in dangerous weather, sewage backup, or urgent local housing problem, call 211 and your city or county emergency management, … Read more