What is Notice of Default (NOD)?
A Notice of Default is the first formal, recorded step in the California foreclosure process. It is a public document the lender files with the county stating that the borrower has missed payments and is in default. Recording an NOD starts a legally defined window during which the homeowner can still cure the default.
Example: After a borrower misses three monthly payments, the lender records a Notice of Default with the county recorder, starting the clock on the borrower’s window to reinstate the loan.