Law
Fact Checked

What does "Right to Cure" Mean?

M. Lupica
M. Lupica

The right to cure typically refers to the right of a person who takes out a loan to make all his or her delinquent payments prior to the full default of the loan. Usually, a lender will send the delinquent borrower a right to cure letter that describes his or her right, including the time frame in which he or she may make all back payments. If the borrower fails to make the payments according to the terms described in the letter, then the lender may repossess the item for which the loan was taken, or institute a foreclosure action if the loan was for a home. After the sale, the delinquent borrower will still owe whatever amount was not covered by the sale of the item, and the lender may bring a deficiency action against the borrower to recover the remaining debt.

A delinquent borrower will often receive a letter from a lender explaining the right to cure by making all the appropriate payments he or she failed to make within a specified time period. The law of the jurisdiction generally dictates this time period, but it may stem from a clause within the loan agreement. There are typically extra protections for those who took out a home loan, and very often the delinquent borrower may cure his or her deficiency even after the property has been foreclosed upon — called the right of redemption. This may or may not be stated within the right to cure letter depending on the laws of the jurisdiction.

The right to cure allows a person an opportunity to make all delinquent payments on a loan prior to its default.
The right to cure allows a person an opportunity to make all delinquent payments on a loan prior to its default.

After the period in which the borrower has the right to cure, the lender may repossess the item for which the loan was taken or institute foreclosure proceedings. If it is an item that has been purchased with the loan, the company has the right to take and sell the item. Typically, this is done through a public auction, but it may be done through a private sale. In either circumstance, the delinquent borrower has a right to know how and when the item will be disposed.

A foreclosure action may occur if a borrower fails to make payments according to terms described in a right to cure letter.
A foreclosure action may occur if a borrower fails to make payments according to terms described in a right to cure letter.

Once the sale is closed, the lender will apply the proceeds to the existing debt. In the event that the amount received from the sale does not completely cover the delinquent debt, called a “deficiency,” the lender may bring a deficiency action against the borrower. However, if the proceeds from the sale of the item cover the debt, the lender is to return any extra money to the borrower and he or she is cleared of the debt.

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Discussion Comments

fify

Right to cure law is confusing. It changes for different types of property and it changes from state to state. It was my understanding that the right to cure applies to only real estate, but apparently, it can apply to other types of goods as well.

Most of us know about our rights when it comes to real estate, but information about other goods and the right to cure is unclear.

Do we have any law experts here that can clarify this? What exactly does the right to cure apply to?

serenesurface

@ddljohn-- Are you in one of the right to cure states?

As far as I know, a lender is not required to send a right to cure letter in every state. In many states, property can be taken after a borrower is delinquent regardless of whether a letter is sent or not.

I live in Colorado and I know that here, they do have to send a right to cure letter. They also have to give me twenty days to make the payment.

If you live in a right to cure state and did not receive any letter or notice, I think you may be able to go to court about this. You should ask a lawyer.

ddljohn

What if a right to cure notice isn't sent? Does the lender still have the right to take the property or car?

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    • The right to cure allows a person an opportunity to make all delinquent payments on a loan prior to its default.
      By: Brian Jackson
      The right to cure allows a person an opportunity to make all delinquent payments on a loan prior to its default.
    • A foreclosure action may occur if a borrower fails to make payments according to terms described in a right to cure letter.
      By: Andy Dean
      A foreclosure action may occur if a borrower fails to make payments according to terms described in a right to cure letter.