Titus wants homeowners told of mortgage relief

By Lisa Mascaro

Monday, March 2, 2009 | 6:43 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- Democratic Rep. Dina Titus plans to introduce legislation this week that would require mortgage servicers to notify homeowners if they qualify for mortgage relief.

Residents in her district at ground zero in the nation's foreclosure crisis often don't know where to turn for help, Titus' spokesman said.

Her legislation would require that mortgage servicers that are receiving a $1,000 cash incentive from the government to rework loans reach out to all eligible borrowers. She expects to offer the provision as an amendment to a broader housing recovery bill being discussed in the House this week.

"We've been hearing from constituents, they don't have the information they need," Titus spokesman Andrew Stoddard said.

"For the mortgage servicers receiving incentives, they should have the responsibility of letting peple know they're eligible for this program and could receive help through this."

Titus expects to offer her amendment as the House takes up the housing bill later this week.