Facing Foreclosure in Baltimore City? You Have Options.

Baltimore City has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the state of Maryland. If you’ve received a foreclosure notice on your Baltimore home, you are not alone — and you have legal options that can stop the process and save your property.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides immediate, court-ordered protection that halts the foreclosure and gives you a structured path to catch up on missed payments while keeping your home.

At the Siddons Law Firm, we represent Baltimore City homeowners facing foreclosure. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland is located right in Baltimore, and we regularly appear there on behalf of our clients. Whether you live in Canton, Federal Hill, Hampden, Park Heights, Belair-Edison, Pigtown, or anywhere else in the city, we can help.

How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Saves Your Home

✅ Stops your foreclosure sale immediately — The automatic stay halts all proceedings the moment you file.

✅ Gives you 3–5 years to catch up — Mortgage arrears are spread across a manageable plan.

✅ Stops creditor harassment — Collection calls, lawsuits, and garnishments must stop.

✅ May reduce other debts — Credit cards, medical bills, and unsecured debts can be eliminated.

✅ Strips junior liens — If your home is underwater, Chapter 13 may eliminate second mortgages or HELOCs entirely.

Baltimore City Foreclosure Process

Baltimore City is an independent city (separate from Baltimore County) with its own Circuit Court and foreclosure procedures:

🔹 Notice of Intent: At least 45 days notice with loss mitigation application for owner-occupied properties.

🔹 Order to Docket: Filed in the Baltimore City Circuit Court no earlier than 90-120 days after default.

🔹 Mediation: 25 days to request mediation after the Order to Docket.

🔹 Trustee sale: Published in the Daily Record or local newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks, then conducted at the courthouse.

Court location: Baltimore City Circuit Court, Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse, 100 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Baltimore City processes one of the highest volumes of foreclosure cases in Maryland. The city also has aggressive tax sale practices — properties with delinquent city property taxes and water bills are sold at the city’s annual tax sale, which can lead to a separate foreclosure path. Chapter 13 addresses both mortgage foreclosure and tax sale foreclosure simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions — Baltimore City Foreclosure

Can Chapter 13 stop a Baltimore City tax sale foreclosure?

Yes. Baltimore City sells tax lien certificates for delinquent property taxes, water bills, and other municipal charges at its annual tax sale. If a tax sale certificate holder has filed to foreclose on your property, Chapter 13 can stop the proceeding and allow you to pay the delinquent taxes and charges through your repayment plan. This is critical because Baltimore City’s tax sale process can result in losing your home for relatively small amounts of unpaid taxes or utility bills.

I’m behind on both my mortgage and Baltimore City water bill. Can bankruptcy help?

Yes. Chapter 13 can cure mortgage arrears and include delinquent utility bills in your repayment plan. Baltimore City water bills can lead to liens and tax sale certificates, so addressing them through bankruptcy protects you on multiple fronts simultaneously.

My Baltimore rowhouse has lost value. Can I strip my second mortgage?

If your home’s current market value is less than what you owe on the first mortgage, a Chapter 13 “lien strip” can reclassify your second mortgage or HELOC as unsecured debt — effectively eliminating it. This is particularly powerful in Baltimore City neighborhoods where property values have declined, leaving homeowners with underwater mortgages.

How quickly can you stop a Baltimore City foreclosure?

We can file emergency Chapter 13 petitions within 24-48 hours. Since the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland is located in Baltimore at 101 W. Lombard Street, the filing is immediate and the automatic stay takes effect instantly. We notify the trustee and lender’s counsel the same day to halt any scheduled sale.

Related Resources

• Foreclosure Help in Baltimore County
• Maryland Office
• Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
• Bankruptcy FAQ
• Maryland Auto Accident Lawyers

This communication is from a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.