Foreclosure eviction - When do you have to move out?

The amount of time you can stay in the property after foreclosure varies from one state to another. It also depends on how long it takes to complete the foreclosure. Generally, the owner is first served with summons. At the hearing, if the owner is proved to be in default, the judge grants Summary Judgment and sets up a foreclosure auction. The court then issues a Certificate of Title to the new owner 10 days after the foreclosure sale. Once the new owner receives the Certificate of Title, he can start the eviction process and obtain an Order of Possession in about 2 weeks time. He can then serve you a 3-day Notice to Quit and have the Sheriff evict you from the property, unless you are entitled to a redemption period under the state laws.

There are some states which offer a redemption period to the homeowners who wish to keep the property, but do not currently have the means to stop foreclosure. It gives them more time, during which they can buy back or redeem the property on payment of the mortgage dues plus the foreclosure costs. State laws regarding the redemption period vary. Some states provide lengthy redemption period (about 1 year), while others provide a short time period (approximately 6 months). However, a redemption period is allowed only in case of a judicial foreclosure.

In case you are renting a property and that property goes into foreclosure due to default by the owner, you do have certain rights. As long as you do not violate the terms of the lease agreement and you continue paying your rent, you cannot be asked to vacate the property until the lease term is over.

Certain states like Washington also have a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). Under this Act, if the owner is planning to sell the property, he has to offer the renter the right to purchase the property. Similarly in a foreclosure sale, if the lender purchases the property, he must provide the renter with a proper TOPA notice. However, if a third party buys the property, the renter is not entitled to a TOPA notice.

Under the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009 (federal law foreclosure eviction), the purchaser of the property can ask the renter to leave the property if he intends to occupy the home as primary residence. But the new owner has to provide the tenant with at least a 90-day timeline to vacate the property.

Tenants often ask "What is constructive eviction foreclosure?" Well, this is a situation where the owner might not formally ask the tenant to leave the property, but he can indirectly force the tenant to vacate the property (e.g. the owner turns off electricity, water or he changes locks, etc.). In such a situation the tenant can sue the owner on the basis that he was forced to leave the house through constructive eviction.