California law doubles wildfire mortgage forbearance to two years

California has now doubled wildfire mortgage forbearance, offering homeowners up to 24 months of relief, with critical deadlines stretching to January 7, 2029. To qualify, borrowers will need to demonstrate both hardship and that their property is uninhabitable. Lenders and servicers face new, tougher requirements—they’re now required to provide deferral options and are prohibited from demanding lump sum repayments. Having spent more than 25 years navigating both real estate and mortgage landscapes, I’ve seen firsthand how policy shifts like this can impact clients on both sides of the transaction. Understanding these changes is key to making informed decisions in the wake of California wildfires.