What should I do if the home I am renting goes into foreclosure?

If a landlord stops paying the mortgage, a foreclosure can begin. The CFPB says some state and local laws protect renters in that process, and the rules are not the same everywhere. If a foreclosure notice is delivered or posted, contact the sender at once, say that you are a tenant, and also contact the landlord. Do not rely only on the landlord's account. The CFPB says to check the office where deeds are recorded — often called land records, auditor, recorder, or assessor — and to look for court filings.

Local law can affect how long the foreclosure takes, how much time a renter has to move after a sale, and whether other tenant protections apply. Rent-control or just-cause eviction rules, where they exist, may limit eviction after foreclosure; a foreclosure alone may not be enough to end a lease. If the tenancy uses a Section 8 voucher, the CFPB says to contact the local housing authority and legal aid promptly.

State and local law may provide additional or different requirements. This page does not publish a national move-out timeline. If someone claims to be the new owner, the CFPB says to ask for documents showing ownership before paying rent or signing a new agreement. A HUD-approved housing counselor or a legal-aid lawyer can help you review options. This is general information, not legal advice about a particular lease or eviction.