What does a non-assumption clause in a mortgage contract do?

A non-assumption clause in a mortgage contract explicitly prohibits the assumption of the mortgage by a buyer without obtaining prior approval from the lender. This means that if the original borrower sells the property, the new buyer cannot just take over the existing mortgage; they must seek the lender’s consent to do so. This clause is commonly included in mortgage agreements to protect the lender's interests, ensuring that they have control over who assumes responsibility for the debt and that the new borrower meets the lender's credit qualifications.

The importance of this clause lies in the lender's need to assess the financial stability and creditworthiness of any potential new borrower before allowing them to step into the original borrower's shoes. Without this clause, lenders could face higher risks if a buyer who might not be creditworthy takes over a mortgage.