Deficiency Judgment Laws by State

Will the bank sue me after foreclosure? If your home sells for less than the mortgage balance, the difference is a deficiency. Many states allow lenders to pursue a deficiency judgment—others limit or bar it in common processes. Use the table below to see typical rules for your state (most-common process). It’s reference only—get local legal advice.

Deficiency Judgment Laws by State
State ▾CommonForeclosureProcess ▾DeficiencyJudgmentAllowed ▾ConditionsSummary ▾SourceURL ▾
AlabamaNonjudicialYesAllowed under common process.View source
ArizonaNonjudicialNot for 1–2 family on ≤2.5 acresAnti-deficiency for typical homes/2.5 acres or less.View source
ArkansasNonjudicialYesPermitted after sale.View source
ColoradoNonjudicialYesPermitted after sale.View source
ConnecticutJudicialYesPermitted; judicial process.View source
DelawareJudicialYesPermitted; up to confirmation.View source
FloridaJudicialYesPermitted; subject to court.View source
GeorgiaNonjudicialYes, if court confirms saleConfirmation required.View source
IdahoNonjudicialYesPermitted; nonjudicial process.View source
IllinoisJudicialYes, with personal service/appearanceLimited if no personal service.View source
IndianaJudicialSometimesVaries by case; see statute.View source
IowaJudicialSometimesVaries; some judicial nuances.View source
KansasJudicialYesUnless service by publication with no appearance.View source
KentuckyJudicialYesGenerally permitted.View source
LouisianaJudicialYesExecutory proceeding allows deficiency.View source
MassachusettsNonjudicialYesPermitted after nonjudicial sale.View source
MichiganNonjudicialYesPermitted after sale.View source
MinnesotaNonjudicialNo (in most cases)Anti-deficiency in most nonjudicial cases.View source
MississippiNonjudicialYesPermitted after sale.View source
MissouriNonjudicialYesPermitted; sometimes limited.View source
New JerseyJudicialYesPermitted; redemption/confirmation interplay.View source
North CarolinaNonjudicialYes, in some casesPermitted with conditions; upset-bid process.View source
OhioJudicialYesPermitted up to confirmation.View source
PennsylvaniaJudicialYesPermitted after sale.View source
South CarolinaJudicialYesPermitted; upset-bid nuance if deficiency sought.View source
TennesseeNonjudicialYesPermitted; docs may waive redemption.View source
TexasNonjudicialYesPermitted after sale.View source
UtahNonjudicialYesPermitted after sale.View source
VirginiaNonjudicialYesPermitted after sale.View source
New YorkJudicialYes, if personally served or appearsLimited if no personal service.View source
WisconsinJudicialYesPermitted after judgment/sale.View source

Last reviewed: October 2025 by Aldric Property Solutions

FAQ

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