If you've got a mortgage, there are new rules in place to protect you.

The Washington Post reports, the new rules went into effect Tuesday, as part of the $25 billion settlement between the government and mortgage lenders. They include a ban on "robo-signing," the rubber-stamping of documents to expedite the foreclosure process. Also banned is "dual tracking." That's when a lender forecloses on you during the process of modifying your loan. And banks must treat foreclosure as a last resort, after considering other options.

The banks involved say they expected to be in compliance by Tuesday. But government officials say it will take some time to determine whether the banks actually are following the new rules. And they're relying, in part, on the public to report problems.

If you're having trouble with your bank, on a mortgage or anything else, you can report it to state and federal regulators. Click here to get the information.