Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Foreclosure

I am living on a property that the owner has started the foreclosure on in Contra Costa County, CA. We had not paid the rent because I had other sources telling us not to. Now she is threatening to take us to small claims court, can she win. Also, I was wondering, is there any way to find out how far along she is in the process. And if we pay the rent, does she have the right to withhold any deposit?


Asked on 9/09/08, 8:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Re: Foreclosure

You cannot stop paying rent on the property until the property is conveyed to the bank or a new buyer at the foreclosure sale. As long as the landlord owns the property, you have an obligation to pay rent. A new law was enacted in California in July which will allow you to stay on the property for 60 days after the foreclosure sale. The bank (or buyer at auction) must give you 60 days notice that you must leave. The law doesn't state whether you have to pay the bank rent, but technically, as long as you live on the property, you are most likely liable for rent. If you don't leave after 60 days, then they can evict you.

I'd highly suggest that its in your best interest to pay the rent or leave. The landlord can not only sue you in small claims court, but they can evict you (so long as its prior to the foreclosure) for failure to pay rent.

*Due to the limitations of the LawGuru Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

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Answered on 9/10/08, 12:14 pm


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