§ 5641 Foreclosure Sale Proceeds Distribution

Food and Agricultural Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

Key Takeaways

•After a house is sold because of unpaid debts, the money from the sale first goes to pay off what’s owed.
•If there’s extra money left after paying the debt, it goes to the homeowner if they can be found.
•If the homeowner can’t be found, the extra money is held by the court until they show up.

Example

Imagine your house is sold because you didn’t pay your property taxes.

The money from the sale first pays off your taxes and any fees. If there’s money left, you get it back. If they can’t find you, the court keeps it safe until you claim it.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 5641 Foreclosure Sale Proceeds Distribution

(a) If, after foreclosure the property is sold, enough of the proceeds shall be paid into the treasury of the county which forecloses the lien as shall satisfy the lien, penalty and costs. (b) If there is any surplus, it shall be paid to the owner of the property, if he is known. If the owner of the property is not known, the surplus shall be paid into the court for his use at such time as he is ascertained. (Enacted by Stats. 1967, Ch. 15.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

foreclosure property lien claim penalty

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 5641.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References