MA S1031

Requires all foreclosures on owner-occupied residential properties (1-6 family homes) to be initiated through a court complaint filed in Superior Court, rather than through non-judicial processes

Mandates service of process by both posting and mailing if in-hand delivery is not achieved

Allows homeowners to raise jurisdictional, legal, and equitable defenses against the lender, assignees, or agents, including claims under consumer protection laws (Chapter 93), anti-discrimination laws (Chapter 151B), and mortgage lending regulations (Chapters 183 and 183C)

Grants courts authority to rescind or modify mortgages, void improper acts, and set aside default judgments for good cause while preserving rights of tenants and legal occupants

Requires courts to record decisions establishing void acts in the registry of deeds at no cost to the court