Im Renting a house from someone that doesnt own it!!!

**Fisherjez** · 07-05-2009, 03:22 AM

My family and I have just moved into a rental property 1 and a half months ago. The move was massive and something I wasn't looking forward to doing again in the near future. It was very hard physically and financially. We signed a 12 month lease through a real estate on the new house that we were very happy with. All was going well until Friday.

A locksmith turned up on our doorstep with instructions to replace the locks on behalf of a bank (who will remain anonymous for the moment). Further research from me revealed that the owner had surrendered the house to the bank a month prior to us starting the lease (F@#king Pr!#k!!).

From what information I have at the moment, it appears that he (the owner) has surrendered it to the bank, and knowing that the title search conducted by the real estate would show him as the rightful owner, has signed it up as a rental property for himself as the leasee. He has sucked 6 weeks of rent from me with a house he doesn't own anymore, and now im more than likely faced with moving again within a month on the banks request. Im waiting to hear more next week.

If anyone has any advice for me in relation to this I would really appreciate it. Its probably not something that happens very often because most people have morals unlike this low life previous owner, or are too scared of the consequences of committing fraud.

All advice welcom

J

**Greg** · 07-06-2009, 07:20 AM

The bank will have to follow all of the local eviction rules before they can kick you out. So you should have more than 30 days.

The laws on banks evicting renters have recently changed in some ares, so depending on where you are the bank might have to let you live in the house until your lease has runs out. Start talking to the town/city/sheriff etc.

The bank will offer you "cash for keys" which is their way of not having to evict you. You do not have to accept what they offer, you can ask for more. Try to get them to cover your moving costs. The agent who offers you the cash for keys always starts out lower than they can go so don't be afraid to ask.

**RedCarpetSchool** · 07-06-2009, 12:26 PM

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Make sure your lease is legit and would hold up in court (in other words find a lawyer to look it over and review the local law for tenant rights in the area, the City of Seattle has an appointed Lawyer to assist tenants with their rights for example). Banks don

**jstevenson** · 07-07-2009, 08:58 AM

I'm sorry to hear about your problem with this rented house. I would definitely discuss this situation with a lawyer if I were you.

**officespace** · 07-09-2009, 07:56 PM

That was freak and shame on that lessor. Anyway, I know you learned from that experienced and next time make sure that your are renting in a legitimate lessor.

**Dave Reynolds** · 09-12-2011, 10:29 AM

The best advice for someone in your situation is to consult an attorney. There may be several options available to you in order to recoup some of the expenses that have been paid but a qualified attorney would be able to tell you your rights under local laws. In addition to obtaining a qualified attorney it is recommended that you work with the bank to delay the move and/or seek relocation expenses.