If you’ve filed bankruptcy and you’re worried about losing your home, you are definitely not alone. A lot of people ask:
“How long after filing bankruptcy do you have to leave your house?”
“When will the mortgage company contact me?”
“Why haven’t I heard anything yet?”
First—take a breath. The timeline depends on your situation, but here’s what typically happens.
Bankruptcy Does NOT Automatically Make You Leave Your House
Filing bankruptcy does not mean you have to move out right away.
In fact, when you file, something called the automatic stay goes into effect. That temporarily stops most collection actions, including foreclosure activity.
So in many cases, bankruptcy actually buys you time.
Why You Haven’t Heard From the Mortgage Company Yet
This is common.
Mortgage companies often move slowly, and sometimes they don’t reach out right away because:
- they’re waiting for the bankruptcy process to finish
- your account is being reviewed internally
- they’re deciding whether to continue foreclosure
- they’re sending notices through mail that can take time
- they’re communicating through the attorney or court system
So no contact yet does not necessarily mean good or bad—it often just means they’re processing things.
How Long Do People Usually Stay in the Home?
It depends on whether you are:
1. Keeping the house and staying current
If you are paying the mortgage and keeping it current, you may be able to stay in your home long-term.
2. Behind on the mortgage
If you are behind and not planning to catch up, then bankruptcy usually delays foreclosure—but it does not permanently stop it unless you take further steps (like a loan modification or Chapter 13 repayment plan).
Many people are able to stay in the home for months, and sometimes longer, before anything happens.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Matters
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 does not force the lender to work with you. If you’re behind, the mortgage company can eventually proceed with foreclosure after the bankruptcy stay ends.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 often allows people to catch up mortgage arrears over 3–5 years, which can help save the home.
When Would You Actually Have to Leave?
Usually you don’t have to leave until:
- foreclosure is completed
- the home is sold
- and an eviction process begins (depending on your state)
That process takes time.
So most people do not get forced out immediately after filing bankruptcy.
Bottom Line
✅ Bankruptcy does not mean you have to leave right away
✅ No contact from the mortgage company is normal
⚠️ If you’re behind, foreclosure may still happen eventually
📌 Many people stay in their homes for months after filing, depending on the lender and state laws
