Tenant Rights in Foreclosed Chicago Property

During the past year, many Chicago tenants found out that they were living in a foreclosed home, apartment or condominium only when the sheriff’s office turned up at their door to make them leave. However, Chicago has laws to protect tenants from sudden evictions, and as a tenant you have the right to expect certain notices in the event of foreclosure.

First of all, if you are signing a lease for a property that is the subject of a foreclosure suit, the landlord is required to notify you before you sign the lease. If the landlord doesn’t do that, you are allowed to terminate the lease.

Second, if you are renting a home that becomes the subject of a foreclosure suit after you have already signed the lease, the landlord is required to notify you within seven days after the foreclosure is filed.

Third, if the property you live in has already been foreclosed AND if you are current on rent, you should receive at least 90 days’ notice before an evictions action can be filed against you.

Lastly, if you are concerned that you are living in a property that is already foreclosed or is in danger of being foreclosed, you can go to the Cook County Circuit Court and try to find out if any action is pending or completed against your landlord with reference to the home you live in.