What Happens to Your Lease if Your Landlord is Facing Foreclosure?

Neither homeowners nor renters can guarantee they'll reside in their properties forever, but while homeowners get some warning about foreclosure, it can be a complete surprise to renters.

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The effect can be destabilizing and stressful. Tenants may wonder who to pay rent to, whether their utilities will be shut off or if they'll face eviction. There may also be other concerns, such as negative credit reporting, that can make it harder to find new housing.

What Happens to Renters When the Building They Live in Is in Foreclosure?

A foreclosure is the legal process through which a lender takes possession of a property because the owner is no longer meeting their mortgage payments. If you discover your landlord is facing foreclosure, you'll naturally be concerned about its effect on your lease.

The Protecting Tenants At Foreclosure Act (PTFA) safeguards your rights and should hopefully give you some peace of mind. Depending on your state, there may also be additional protections available.

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What Is the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act, and What Rights Does It Ensure Renters?

The PTFA was passed by the federal government in 2009 in response to the crisis caused by the 2008 housing crash. It's designed to provide vital protections to tenants when their rented properties are under foreclosure. These protections include:

• Lease protection: If you have an existing lease agreement, the PTFA allows you to remain in the property until the lease term expires. This ensures you're not abruptly uprooted due to foreclosure.
• Notice requirements: If you have a month-to-month tenancy, you must be provided with at least 90 days' notice before you're required to vacate the property. This is intended to give you time to secure alternative housing.
• Protection from immediate eviction: The PTFA prohibits immediate eviction, giving tenants a chance to organize their affairs and find new living arrangements.
• Maintenance and repairs: The new owner or management company is responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring it remains habitable during the foreclosure process.
• Utility services: The continuity of utility services, such as water and electricity, must be maintained for the benefit of the tenants.

How Long Can You Stay in a Foreclosed Home?

How long you can stay in a foreclosed home depends on several factors, including your lease agreement, state laws and the specific circumstances of the foreclosure. Let's look at some examples:

• Existing lease agreement: If you have a lease in place, whether fixed-term or month-to-month, you have the right to stay until the lease term expires. This protects you from immediate eviction due to the foreclosure.
• No lease agreement: If you're renting without a formal lease, the PTFA's 90-day notice period comes into play. This should give you time to make arrangements and secure a new place to live.
• State or local laws: Some states or local jurisdictions have additional tenant protection laws that might extend the notice period or provide other rights to renters in the event of foreclosure. If you're unsure of what they are, you should consider contacting a local attorney with experience in this area.

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Does the Landlord Have to Provide Notice, and How Much?

As previously mentioned, the PTFA mandates that the new property owner or entity must provide you with a minimum notice of 90 days before they can initiate eviction proceedings. The PFTA also ensures a tenant's existing lease must be honored.

However, there is one exception. Consider this scenario: A tenant's lease is from January to December, but the property is purchased in March. If the new owner intends to convert the property into their private accommodation, they don't need to honor the lease until December, although they must allow the tenant the minimum 90-day eviction notice period. To clarify, this exception only counts if the new owner intends to begin using the property as their private residence.