Mortgagee in Possession
A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default to manage or rent it before foreclosure.

September 30, 2025
What is Mortgagee in Possession?
A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender manages or rents out the property to recover debt obligations.
Why Mortgagee in Possession Matters in Real Estate
This status matters in real estate because it allows lenders to protect and preserve property value during default. However, mortgagees in possession assume responsibilities such as maintenance, tenant management, and compliance with laws.
Example of Mortgagee in Possession in Action
After a borrower defaults on a commercial mortgage, the bank takes possession as mortgagee in possession, leasing out units to cover outstanding debt obligations.
Key Takeaways
- Occurs when lender takes control of a property after default.
- Precedes foreclosure or power of sale proceedings.
- Allows lender to manage or rent property to recover debt.
- Lender assumes responsibilities for property management.
- Used to preserve value and mitigate losses.
Related Terms
- Foreclosure
- Power of Sale
- Receivership
- Mortgage Default
- Assignment of Rents









September residential sales, not seasonally adjusted; the annual comparison uses CREA’s revised figures. Chart:
Annual changes in the unadjusted national MLS® HPI and average sale price. The average is affected by the mix of transactions. Chart:
Seasonally adjusted residential months of inventory by province. Local property types can differ substantially. Chart:
Ontario and B.C. are the two provinces with forecast annual average-price declines in 2026. Chart:
Annual average transaction prices in Canadian dollars. Forecast values are not December price targets. Chart:
Five-year changes in seasonally adjusted composite MLS® HPI benchmarks, September 2021 to September 2026. Chart: 


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