Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
i live on the same property as my landlord. there are two houses on that property. i recieved a card on my door, that was a cash for keys offer. i didnt realize what it was, and the card was given to the landlord. since then, she has kept things hush hush about what is actually going on, she has increased my rent, and she herself has begun to move herself off the property, and has brought in another renter as of the 25th of this month. she hasnt given me any notice of forclosure, and im wondering if she even has to by law inform me.i feel as if she is trying to squeeze whatever cash she can out of me, and these new tenants arriving soon. she has even gone so far as to pre-inform us of what she wants for the electric bill, water bill, and has removed the only source of heat in her house. what are our rights to know about this stuff going on?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Your instincts are probably accurate. If you believe there are health violations, contact the county's health department. As for foreclosure, you might have ways to find out the name of the lender and contact them. You might be able to work out a tenancy with the new owner once that happens. Keep copies of all rent checks, though, because the new owner might want proof of that.
I think a cash-for-keys offer suggests that a foreclosure sale has already occurred.... this can be confirmed by a visit to the County Recorder's office, where if you go at an off-peak hour, a clerk can probably assist you in checking the records for that address. Look for a notice of sale or a trustee deed in the last few weeks. Then the next step would be to inquire at the courthouse whether an unlawful detainer action has been filed against the former owner.
Keep in mind that a former owner has no right to collect rent after the property is foreclosed and they no longer own it - unless (rare case) the buyer has deputized them to do that.
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