N.Y. Real Property Law Section 282
Mortgagor’s right to recover attorneys’ fees in actions or proceedings arising out of foreclosures of residential property

1.

Whenever a covenant contained in a mortgage on residential real property shall provide that in any action or proceeding to foreclose the mortgage that the mortgagee may recover attorneys’ fees and/or expenses incurred as the result of the failure of the mortgagor to perform any covenant or agreement contained in such mortgage, or that amounts paid by the mortgagee therefor shall be paid by the mortgagor as additional payment, there shall be implied in such mortgage a covenant by the mortgagee to pay to the mortgagor the reasonable attorneys’ fees and/or expenses incurred by the mortgagor as the result of the failure of the mortgagee to perform any covenant or agreement on its part to be performed under the mortgage or in the successful defense of any action or proceeding commenced by the mortgagee against the mortgagor arising out of the contract, and an agreement that such fees and expenses may be recovered as provided by law in an action commenced against the mortgagee or by way of counterclaim in any action or proceeding commenced by the mortgagee against the mortgagor. Any waiver of this section shall be void as against public policy.

2.

For the purposes of this section, “residential real property” means real property improved by a one- to four-family residence, a condominium that is occupied by the mortgagor or a cooperative unit that is occupied by the mortgagor.

Source: Section 282 — Mortgagor's right to recover attorneys' fees in actions or proceedings arising out of foreclosures of residential property, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/RPP/282 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 15, 2025).

240
Definitions and use of terms 240–B
Certain conveyances authorized 240–C
Joint tenancy severance 241
Ancient conveyances abolished 242
Disclosure prior to the sale of real property 243
Grant of fee or freehold 244
When grant takes effect 245
Estate which passes by grant or devise 246
Certain deeds declared grants 247
Conveyance by tenant for life or years of greater estate than possessed 248
Effect of conveyance where property is leased 249
Covenants in mortgages 251
Covenants not implied 252
Lineal and collateral warranties abolished 253
Construction of covenants in grants of freehold interests 254
Construction of clauses and covenants in mortgages and bonds or notes 254–A
Right of election of mortgagee in certain cases 254–B
Limitation on late charges 254–C
Right to a copy of real property appraisals and consumer reports in certain cases 254–D
Fees by mortgagee for direct payment of real property taxes by mortgagor prohibited 255
Construction of grant of appurtenances and of all the rights and estate of grantor 256
Construction of grant in executor’s or trustee’s deed of appurtenances, and of the estate of testator and grantor 257
Covenants bind representatives of grantor and mortgagor and inure to the benefit of whom 258
Short forms of deeds and mortgages 259–C
Provision in lease of real property for waiver of trial by jury in actions for personal injury or property damage 260
Lands adversely held may be conveyed or mortgaged 261
Maintenance of telegraph or other electric wires raises no presumption of grant 265
Fraudulent intent, question of fact 265–A
Home equity theft prevention 265–B
Distressed property consulting contracts 266
Rights of purchaser or incumbrancer for valuable consideration protected 267
Conveyances with power to revoke, determine or alter 268
Disaffirmance of fraudulent act by executor and others 269
When remainderman may pay interest owed by life tenant 270
Powers of courts of equity not abridged 271
Construction of covenants in mortgages on leases of real property and bonds or notes 272
Construction of grant of appurtenances, and all of the rights and estate of the mortgagor 273
What form of mortgage on lease of real property 274
Transfers and mortgages of interest in decedents’ estates 274–A
Certificate of principal amount unpaid on mortgages of real property 275
Certificate of discharge of mortgage required 276
Effect of certain easements on the right to invest in mortgages 277
Modification and extension of mortgage investment 277–A
Powers of fiduciaries and others holding guaranteed mortgages or mortgage investments 278
Exchange of mortgage investment 278–A
Sale or exchange of certain real property or mortgage investments therein authorized 279
Graduated payment mortgage 280
Reverse mortgage loans for persons sixty years of age or older 280–A
Reverse mortgage loans for persons seventy years of age or older 280–B
Federal home equity conversion mortgage regulation 280–D
Federal home equity conversion mortgage default and foreclosure regulation 281
Credit line mortgage 282
Mortgagor’s right to recover attorneys’ fees in actions or proceedings arising out of foreclosures of residential property 283
Limits on amount of flood insurance required by mortgagee
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Nov. 15, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 282. Mortgagor's right to recover attorneys' fees in actions or proceedings arising out of foreclosures of residential property's source at nysenate​.gov

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