One household in every 171 received a foreclosure notice during the three-month period.

Almost three million homeowners received at least one foreclosure notice in 2009 - and the number this year could be higher.

Reasons for exemption vary, such as homelessness or experience of domestic violence, and some require documented proof, such as an eviction or foreclosure notice.

Foreclosure notices are published in newspapers or distributed by reporting services to investors and rescue artists.