Hayward · Foreclosure & auctions

Foreclosure and auctions in Hayward

Hayward requires the owner of record of any neglected vacant property to register it within 10 calendar days of city identification, notice or the owner's knowledge. Foreclosure timelines and auction rules come from state law.

Ask about foreclosure & auctions in Hayward See coverage

Key points

Registration: The owner of record of a neglected vacant property must register within 10 calendar days of city identification, written notice, or actual knowledge.
Annual fee: The annual fee, set by City Council resolution, may not exceed the reasonable estimated cost of administering the chapter, and is not prorated.
Inspections: A registered vacant property must be inspected at least once every 30 days, with a written inspection log.
Fire damage: Vacant buildings damaged by fire or another emergency must have windows, doors and openings secured with at least ⅝" plywood within 48 hours.
State timeline: State law: notice of sale comes at least 3 months after notice of default is recorded and at least 20 days before the sale.
State sale window: Under state law, a 1–4 unit trustee's sale is not final for 15 days; eligible bidders who give notice may bid within 45 days.

Each rule below is marked Hayward code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

Registering vacant and foreclosed homes

Hayward code What Hayward's code adds
Local contact	The registration must include the local property management company or agent responsible for security, maintenance and monitoring. Applies: Applies to a corporation or out-of-area beneficiary or trustee, when a notice of default has been issued. § 10-29.120 · code text In the case of a corporation or out of area beneficiary or trustee, as defined below, the local property management company or agent responsible for the security, maintenance, and monitoring of the property shall be included.
Upkeep duties	Board broken windows with clear or semi-clear shatter-proof polycarbonate sheeting at least .177 inch thick. Plywood and similar boards are not allowed, except for an emergency board-up. Applies: Applies to a vacant building with broken windows or other broken transparent openings, after unauthorized entry or ongoing vandalism, at the Director's direction. § 10-29.090 · code text As used herein, "sheeting material" or "sheeting" means a minimum of .177-inch thick clear or semi-clear shatter-proof polycarbonate material with a strength capable of sustaining impact without breaking or shattering, absent excess force. Security fencing around the property perimeter and construction site, kept free of graffiti, deterioration and disrepair. Applies: Applies to a vacant property with an active demolition permit. § 10-29.090 · code text A vacant property with an active demolition permit on file with the City of Hayward Building Division, must have security fencing around the property perimeter and construction site until the demolition process has been completed or as otherwise determined by the Director or designee. Inspect at least once every 30 days and keep a written inspection log. Applies: Applies to a vacant property that must be registered in the vacant property monitoring program. § 10-29.125 · code text The owner or responsible agent of the vacant property or any part thereof which is required to be registered in the vacant property monitoring program shall inspect or cause the inspection of such vacant , unoccupied building, structure or part thereof no less than once every thirty (30) days Post a weather-resistant sign, at least 18" x 24", on the building front, readable from the public right-of-way, with the owner's or manager's name, address and 24-hour phone and the required wording. Applies: Applies to a vacant property with unauthorized entry or ongoing vandalism, at the Director's or designee's direction. § 10-29.090 · code text There shall be a sign no less than 18" × 24" posted on the front of the exterior building or structure so it is legible from the public-right-of-way with the following information: (i) name and twenty-four hour contact telephone number and address of the owner, responsible party, or property management company A minimum of one "No Trespassing" sign. Applies: Displayed along the property frontage and visible to the public. § 10-29.090 · code text A minimum of one "No Trespassing" sign in accordance with the Hayward Police Department sign and size requirements must be displayed along property frontage and visible to the public. Secure all windows, doors or openings with at least ⅝" plywood and 3-inch screws or nails within 48 hours. Applies: Applies to vacant buildings and structures damaged by a fire or other emergency incident. § 10-29.100 · code text Within forty-eight (48) hours of an emergency, unless otherwise directed by the City Manager or designee, secure all windows, doors, or openings with a minimum of ⅝" in thickness plywood material and 3-inch screws or nails. Continuous physical monitoring by onsite patrol. Applies: Applies to a vacant property with unauthorized entry or ongoing vandalism, as determined by the Director or designee. § 10-29.090 · code text Continuous physical monitoring by means of an onsite patrol shall be provided as determined by the Director or designee.
Deadline to register	10 calendar days Applies: Owner of record, counted from City identification of a neglected vacant property, written notice, or the owner's actual knowledge of a neglected vacant or abandoned building. § 10-29.120 · code text Within ten (10) calendar days of City's identification of any neglected vacant property, issuance of written notice, or owner's actual knowledge of any neglected vacant building or abandoned building
Registration fee	Set from time to time by City Council resolution under the Master Fee Schedule. An annual fee not exceeding the reasonable estimated cost of administering the chapter. Applies: Applies to annual registration and monitoring. § 10-29.130 · code text The Annual Registration and Monitoring Fee pursuant to the City of Hayward Master Fee Schedule shall be set, from time to time, by resolution of the City Council. Valid for the calendar year and not prorated. Applies: Applies to the annual registration fee. § 10-29.130 · code text The fee and registration shall be valid the calendar year and registration fee shall not be prorated.
Registration	Registration is required. Applies: Owner of record of a neglected vacant property or abandoned building (any vacant property, not only foreclosures). § 10-29.120 · code text Within ten (10) calendar days of City's identification of any neglected vacant property, issuance of written notice, or owner's actual knowledge of any neglected vacant building or abandoned building, the owner of record shall file a completed Vacant Property Registration form

Foreclosure steps and deadlines

CA state law California law sets this statewide. Time between notice of default and sale: At least three months after the notice of default is recorded before notice of sale; the sale itself no earlier than three months and 20 days after the notice of default (Civ. Code § 2924(a)(2), (a)(4)). Notice of trustee's sale: Posted, published and recorded at least 20 days before the sale (Civ. Code § 2924f(b)). California foreclosure rules — the full state rule →

Homeowner protections

CA state law California law sets this statewide. No foreclosure while a loan modification is pending: If a complete first-lien modification application is submitted at least five business days before a sale, the servicer may not record a notice of default or sale, or hold the sale, while it is pending (Civ. Code § 2923.6(c)). California foreclosure rules — the full state rule →

The trustee's sale (auction)

CA state law California law sets this statewide. When and where sales are held: At public auction in the county where the property is, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a business day (Civ. Code § 2924g(a)(1)). Tenant and owner-occupant priority after a sale (SB 1079): On 1–4 unit property, a trustee's sale is not final for 15 days; eligible tenant buyers and eligible bidders who give notice of intent may bid within 45 days (Civ. Code § 2924m(c)). California foreclosure rules — the full state rule →

Tenants in a foreclosed home

CA state law California law sets this statewide. Tenants in a foreclosed property: A month-to-month tenant must get at least 90 days' written notice to quit; a tenant with a fixed-term lease signed before the sale may stay to the end of the lease (Code Civ. Proc. § 1161b(a), (b)). California foreclosure rules — the full state rule →

Debt after the sale

CA state law California law sets this statewide. No deficiency after a trustee's sale: After a nonjudicial trustee's sale, the lender cannot collect any shortfall from the borrower (Code Civ. Proc. § 580d(a)). California foreclosure rules — the full state rule →

Who this affects

Homeowners behind on a loanBuyers of bank-owned homesLenders and servicers

Frequently asked questions

Must a lender or owner register a vacant or foreclosed home in Hayward?

The owner of record of a neglected vacant property must register within 10 calendar days of city identification, written notice, or actual knowledge. The annual fee, set by City Council resolution, may not exceed the reasonable estimated cost of administering the chapter, and is not prorated. A registered vacant property must be inspected at least once every 30 days, with a written inspection log. Vacant buildings damaged by fire or another emergency must have windows, doors and openings secured with at least ⅝" plywood within 48 hours.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Hayward property

Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on Hayward

Hayward Municipal Code — full text

Renting & eviction in Hayward

Buying & selling in Hayward

Building on your lot in Hayward

Property taxes in Hayward

Hayward overview