Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida
I am renting a house and just found out that it is in foreclosure. I am concerned about getting my security deposit back. What are the legal ramifications if I stopped making lease payments to the property manager?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Eviction. You must pay rent as long as you live in the house.
Technically you have to continue to make payments as long as they do what they agreed to do - provide you with a place to live. If not, you can be evicted. If you terminate early, the landlord may be able to keep your deposit and go after you for lost rent. Check your lease agreement. That's a bad situation, so you can ask them what the status of the foreclosure is and whether they will be willing to let you out of the lease early. The owner may be trying to work something out with the bank or defending himself in the lawsuit. If they let you out of the lease early and agree to return your deposit, get it in a signed writing. Regards,