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How does foreclosure work?
If your landlord does not pay the mortgage or taxes, the bank or city may try to sell the property through a Sheriff Sale. Here is the process:
- Bank or City will send a Notice giving the landlord a chance to pay.
- Bank or City may file a Complaint in the Court of Common Pleas.
- Bank or City may obtain a Judgment allowing the property to be sold.
- Property may be sold at Sheriff Sale.
What happens to my lease after a Sheriff Sale?
Tenants have some rights after a Sheriff Sale. To prove you are a tenant, be sure to save your lease and rent receipts.
- For Mortgage Foreclosure
- All tenants have the right to 90 days’ notice of intent to evict.
- Most tenants have the right to stay until the end of the written lease term.
- Most Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher tenants may keep their lease.
- For Tax Foreclosure
- Tenants may have the right to stay for up to 9 months.
What happens to me?
The bank or new owner may try to force you to move by filing a Complaint in Ejectment. Review our article on Complaint in Ejectment to learn more about this court process and how you can defend yourself.
