You’ve received an eviction notice even though you’ve never missed a rent payment. This dilemma is a growing reality for renters throughout the country who are being pushed out of their residences because their landlords have fallen behind on mortgage payments, reports the Associated Press (“Advice for Renters if Landlord Faces Foreclosure,” Dec. 26, 2008).

While you may not be able to do anything about your landlord’s delinquency, you can take steps to protect yourself and give yourself more time with a roof over your head while you make new living arrangements:

1. Find out who owns your mortgage. Beginning in January 2009, Fannie Mae, one of the nation’s largest mortgage holders, will give renters living in its foreclosed properties the option of either signing a new lease with Fannie Mae so renters can stay in the home until the property is sold, or choosing to receive financial assistance from Fannie Mae to move out of the home. Fellow mortgage giant Freddie Mac says it will unveil a similar program in a few weeks.If your mortgage is owned by another company, contact the lawyer or the lender listed on your eviction notice to let them know that you’re currently living in the property and ask them what your options are. Make sure you don’t allow them to bully you into moving out sooner than your state law stipulates.If you’re nervous about negotiating with the lender on your own, contact a local nonprofit housing counseling agency for help, or call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-569-4287.
2. Call your local sheriff’s department. Ask them how long the foreclosure process in your county takes. Knowing your timeframe (some states give you as much as 60 to 90 days) will give you an accurate idea of how long you have to develop a back-up plan, says Robert Baker, education coordinator at Kansas-based Housing and Credit Counseling Inc.
3. Research the rental laws in your state. California and Illinois have recently passed legislation that gives renters a grace period of 30 days or more to stay in a foreclosed property after it has been sold. Other states are considering passing similar legislation.To look up your tenant rights online, go to www.hud.gov.

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