If you lose your house down payment receipt, act immediately to prevent legal or financial issues. Contact your mortgage lender, real estate agent, or closing attorney to request a replacement. If they cannot provide it, file a notarized statement with the local county recorder’s office attesting to the receipt’s existence and the transaction details. Gather alternative proof, such as canceled checks, bank statements, or a signed closing disclosure form (CD). Submit these documents to the recorder’s office to update public records.

Losing a down payment receipt can create complications during property transfers or refinancing, as lenders and title companies require documentation to verify transactions. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), approximately 5-10% of homebuyers face issues with missing closing documents, often due to misplacement or administrative errors. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) notes that lenders are legally obligated to verify the accuracy of closing documents, and missing receipts may delay loan approvals or lead to title disputes. Title companies typically retain records for 5-10 years, increasing the likelihood of recovering a copy. Proactive steps, such as notarized affidavits and cross-referencing financial records, mitigate risks and ensure compliance with federal housing regulations like the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows that 12% of mortgage applications in 2022 involved documentation gaps, underscoring the importance of prompt resolution to avoid penalties or transaction setbacks.