Do You Know Your Tenant Rights?

by Leigh Graham · 2009-03-22 09:00:00 UTC
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This week we'll have some reports from the greater Tampa-St. Petersburg region of Florida, one of the worst hit areas for foreclosures in the U.S.  This report from the St. Petersburg Press estimates that "hundreds, if not thousands" of renters have been evicted from foreclosed homes.  Ironically, one renter who's been booted twice from two repossessed properties describes it as a "renter's market," meaning that renters should be checking out landlords versus the other way around.

Fortunately, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty just released a report summarizing tenants' rights in the 50 states.  In Florida (page 32), tenants do not have to vacate the property unless they are named as a party in the foreclosure action.  The legalese language can be confusing, adding to the panic and confusion that mobilizes some tenants to needlessly clear out of their homes.

The NLCHP estimates that about "40% of families facing homelessness due to foreclosure are renters."   The report has additional resources for each state; work with them to ensure you know your rights as a tenant.

(NLCHP also has a summary report on homelessness prevention services in 25 states. And check out the Tenants and Foreclosure blog, particularly if you live in California.)

(Photo of an abandoned house in Tampa, FL by vcalzone)

Leigh Graham
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