Thousands have lost deposits, paid rent to landlords who no longer own the house and agreed to move on short notice. Tenants are protected by a 2009 federal law that allows them to stay in their units for 90 days after a foreclosure notice is posted, but they have other rights as well:
• Renters can insist on staying in their units until the end of their leases, except when the new owner of a single-family home wants to move in.
• They can require banks and their agents to put all communication in writing.
• They are not required to take cash incentives to move out before the law requires.
• Harassment, such as changing locks without a court order, entering the home without permission or shutting off utilities, is illegal. Read more.