As foreclosures and shortsales have hit the country hard…one thing is certain…that tenants really should do their homework before renting a private home | apartment | condo or even commercial real estate.

Scenario: Tenant pays rent to landlord but landlord fails to pay their mortgage.  At the end…home goes into foreclosure and landlord keeps the rent but the lender takes back the home.  Tenant is evicted and possessions are put out on the street…not able to pack their own belongings…tenants did everything right their reward: homeless…humiliated…and moved their family in with a friend. What is wrong with this picture.

Tenants when renting from anyone…go to public records…I know each state varies but in most cases pending foreclosure information can be found.  Just because you are doing everything right doesn’t necessarily mean the people around you are.  Protect yourself before renting from a private owner and check periodically to make sure the property is not in foreclosure.

I know this happens as it happened to me when I first moved to Daytona ….fortunately I was served papers to give me plenty warning!  If you are a tenant and in this situation…do yourself a favor…pack up and move..otherwise one day you could come home and find your life spread out in the front yard….but worse…homeless!

For years tenants have had their credit pulled…back ground check etc..etc…evaluated and scrutinized…I think its time for tenants to protect themselves and their families.  Check public records and do your research on the property owner!

EDIT: Guy makes a point…I was not in a lease…and if you are…seek the advice of an attorney and read the tenant and landlord laws pertaining to your state.

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