Several new Maryland laws intended to help homeowners took effect in April. Some of the changes include:

* Lenders must send a notice of intent to foreclose at least 45 days before filing a claim in court.

* Foreclosure cannot be filed until at least 90 days after a homeowner defaults on a loan.

* A homeowner must be personally served with court papers. If the owner cannot be served, the notice will be posted on the property and sent by certified mail.

* A lender must wait 45 days after serving a homeowner before being able to sell a house at auction.

* Homeowners have the right to pay all the late payments, fees and other charges up to one business day before the sale in order to avoid foreclosure.

Source: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

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