Washington state invalidates common mortgage provision

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/washington-state-invalidates-common-mortgage-provision/ar-BBuqk9D

I think this is important that the banks don't just come an change locks while someone is still residing in the home. It is important on vacant properties to protect the home however changing locks on homes that are occupied goes too far.

Laura Jordan came home from work one day to find herself locked out. She had missed two mortgage payments, and the company servicing her loan had changed the locks without warning.

The mortgage industry is wrestling with the significance of the 6-3 ruling, which found that provisions standard in mortgage documents around the country conflict with state law. The provisions allow for lenders to change locks, winterize homes or take other steps to preserve the value of properties that are in default or abandoned.

But the court held that they violate state law, which prohibits lenders from taking possession of property before foreclosure.