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California · ForeclosureCalifornia redemption: three months or one year after a judicial foreclosure sale with a deficiency

In California the right of redemption attaches to judicial foreclosure sales where it matters for a deficiency. If the decree of foreclosure under Code of Civil Procedure §726 determines that a deficiency judgment may be ordered against the defendant, the real property (other than a leasehold with less than two years left at levy) is sold subject to the right of redemption, and the notice of sale must say so and state the secured debt with interest and costs (§729.010). The redemption period ends three months after the sale if the proceeds satisfy the secured debt with interest and costs of action and sale, or one year after the sale if they don't (§729.030). A buyer at such a sale takes the property subject to that period.

What the statutes set

  1. When it applies (§729.010(a))

    Judicial foreclosure where the decree allows a deficiency judgment.

  2. Notice of sale (§729.010(b))

    States the sale is subject to redemption and the debt amount.

  3. Three months (§729.030(a))

    If the sale proceeds cover the debt, interest and costs.

  4. One year (§729.030(b))

    If the proceeds fall short.

What the TC checks before a California deal involving a judicial foreclosure sale

  • Read the notice of sale for the statement that the sale is subject to redemption.
  • Compare the sale proceeds with the secured debt to see whether three months or one year applies.
  • Calendar the end of the redemption period before any resale closing date.

Questions about California redemption

How long is the redemption period in California?

Three months after a judicial foreclosure sale if the proceeds cover the debt, interest and costs, or one year if they don't (CCP §729.030).

When is a California foreclosure sale subject to redemption?

When the judicial foreclosure decree determines that a deficiency judgment may be ordered (CCP §729.010(a)).

Related guides

Track the redemption period and any resale closing date as tasks on the deal in ClosingCode.

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Sources: Code of Civil Procedure §§729.010, 729.030 (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov), read October 31, 2026.

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.