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Insight Horizon Media

Does Illinois allow deficiency judgments?

Author

John Castro

Published Feb 26, 2026

Does Illinois allow deficiency judgments?

Generally, the deficiency amount is the difference between the home’s fair market value and the total mortgage debt. But Illinois law prohibits a deficiency judgment unless the borrower agrees to remain liable by signing an agreement at the same time as the deed in lieu.

Can you fight a deficiency Judgement?

It may be possible to fight the collection efforts or limit how much collectors can take, but you need a skilled attorney to review your case. Bankruptcy might also be an option for wiping out a deficiency judgment, but there will be side-effects (including potential damage to your credit).

Which clause prohibits the lender from seeking a deficiency judgment?

Many states allow the bank to get a personal judgment, called a “deficiency judgment,” for this amount against the borrower. An “anti-deficiency law” is a state statute (law) that prohibits foreclosing banks from suing borrowers for deficiency judgments.

What states do not allow deficiency judgments?

Only Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon and Washington forbid deficiency judgments in most cases. Other states only allow deficiency judgments in certain instances. In Arizona, lenders can’t purchase deficiencies for one- or two-family homes on 2.5 acres or less.

Are deficiency judgments allowed against defaulted homeowners in Illinois?

In most states, including Illinois, if a foreclosure sale results in a deficiency, the lender may get a “deficiency judgment” (a personal judgment) against the borrower for the deficiency amount.

How long is a deficiency judgment good for?

States have different statutes of limitation on how long they allow lenders to pursue deficiency judgments, ranging from 30 days to 20 years.

What happens if I don’t pay a deficiency balance?

If you refuse to pay, the debt will most likely be sold to collections. But either the lender or the collector can choose to file a lawsuit against you, which could result in a wage garnishment, a levy against your bank account or a lien against your other property.

How do you get rid of a deficiency Judgement?

Bankruptcy Can Eliminate a Deficiency Judgment With the judgment, the lender can potentially garnish your wages or go after your assets to collect its debt. But like many other dischargeable debts, you can eliminate your liability for a deficiency judgment by filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Why would a lender waive a deficiency claim?

The mortgage company would grant a deficiency waiver if they don’t intend to collect. Some mortgage companies do not collect on deficiencies. The mortgage company might also waive the deficiency in order to compel the homeowner to take or refrain from taking an action.

In which scenario would a deficiency judgment be allowed?

The legal principle of a deficiency judgment could apply to any secured loan, such as a car loan, where property seized from a defaulting debtor sells for less than the lender is still owed on it. In most cases, however, the term is associated with mortgage foreclosures.

How long does a deficiency Judgement stay on credit?

A deficiency judgment will remain on your credit report for seven years. If the judgment remains unpaid, however, your creditor may apply with the court to have the judgment renewed for another seven-year period.

How do you negotiate a deficiency balance?

In your letter offer to settle the deficiency balance for 20 percent of the balance. Continue negotiating through letters if the creditor balks at your initial offer, or call the lender if you’re comfortable negotiating over the phone. Increase your offer once a month until you have a deal.

Are there any deficiency judgments after a foreclosure in Illinois?

Deficiency Judgments After Foreclosure in Illinois. Depending on the circumstances, you might still owe money to the lender after an Illinois foreclosure. In certain circumstances in Illinois, you might owe your mortgage lender money after a foreclosure sale of your home.

How do I avoid a deficiency judgment following a short sale?

There is no law that precludes a deficiency judgment following a short sale in Illinois. To avoid a deficiency judgment with a short sale, the short sale agreement must expressly state that the lender waives its right to the deficiency. If the short sale agreement does not contain this waiver,…

What happens when a lender gets a deficiency judgment?

Generally, once a lender gets a deficiency judgment, it may collect this amount (in the example above, $50,000) from the borrower using regular collection methods, like garnishing wages or levying a bank account.

Do I need a lawyer for a foreclosure in Illinois?

These are just some of the reasons to consider consulting a lawyer if you’re facing a foreclosure. Foreclosures in Illinois are judicial, which means the lender must foreclose through the state court system. To begin the foreclosure, the foreclosing lender files a lawsuit (a ” complaint “) against the borrower.