In a case before Supreme Court Justice Peter Sweeney sitting in Kings County, he dismissed the bank’s foreclosure lawsuit. The bank had brought a summary judgment motion requesting an order that the house be sold at public auction, in addition they sought an order of reference with regard to this mortgage. The mortgage was on a two-family home owned by the Mitchells. The Mitchells brought a cross-application. They asked Judge Sweeney to dismiss the case. They claimed the bank had failed to serve them with Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law Section 1304’s 90 day notice prior to bringing the foreclosure lawsuit. The bank submitted evidence by their process server which alleged he had personally served Mitchell with the 1304 Notice when he served the Summons and Complaint. He claimed this took place at Mitchells’ residence.
No Personal Service
Mitchell in his opposing papers and cross-motion claimed he was never personally served with the 1304 Notice or the Summons and Complaint in this foreclosure lawsuit. He claimed he was more than a mile away at a local store at the time the alleged personal service took place by the process server.
Hearing Ordered Regarding Process Server’s Affidavit
Justice Sweeney found Mitchell submitted proof which contested the process server’s affidavit. Justice Sweeney therefore ordered a traverse hearing to determine whether service of process was properly effectuated. A special referee was appointed to supervise this proceeding. The referee found the bank’s claim that Mitchell had waived the bank’s failure to comply with Real Property Action and Proceedings Law Section 1304 was untrue. The special referee found a lender’s failure to comply with the 90 day notice provisions of Section 1304 is not an affirmative defense the defendant had to plead in his or her answer. Defendant Mitchells’ cross-motion to dismiss was therefore granted.
Conclusion
Banks have a definitive obligation to provide homeowners with 90 day’s-notice prior to initiating foreclosure lawsuits.
