Stop Shutting the Door on Renters: Protecting Tenants from Foreclosure Evictions

Abstract:     
This article discusses existing and proposed federal and state law affecting tenants’ rights in foreclosure. As “Foreclosure” signs rapidly join “For Sale” signs across the country, the national foreclosure crisis has not only displaced homeowners, but a plethora of renters as well. The approach taken by states concerning tenants affected by foreclosure varies greatly. Furthermore, a recently enacted federal law, created specifically to help tenants in foreclosure, does not relieve the uncertainty in resolving this issue. In addition to being the first to critique the new federal law, this article offers recommendations for legislation that may better protect tenants from foreclosure-related evictions.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 28

Keywords: tenant, foreclosure, eviction, renter, lessee, mortgage, landlord, lessor

JEL Classification: K11, G21

Accepted Paper Series