Landlord foreclosed-bank owns property-wont turn our heat on?when our landlord was foreclosed on this september we were allowed to stay in the property (in VA) due to some recently passed federal legislation. the banks agent told us that they had approved our lease and they would soon let us know the details of how we would start paying rent. this was in early october,... | |
This is essentially a constructive eviction, which is illegal. Get an attorney to sue the bank. Make sure you disclose your prank phone calls so they aren't a surprise when the bank plays copies of them in court.
I strongly urge you to take the cash for keys ASAP. You screwed yourself by making prank phone calls to the bank. I'd get you the heck out of my property as well. Take the money and count your blessings that they are giving you that. Otherwise, expect to see 30-days notice to vacate rather quickly, with NO cash for keys.
Legally your lease transfers if you are bona fide tenants, but if you have broken your lease in any way, they will get you out of there.
Legally, you only have 90 days to stay there before they can make you move. I wouldn't get too cocky saying, "you aren't going anywhere.." You may very well be going somewhere. You don't own the property, and they could just inform you at the 60 day point that you have 30 days to move.
There isn't much you *can* do other than keep on the banks behind to at least let you get the gas in your name so you have heat. If that isn't producing results the only other thing you can do is: move, buy space heaters for the time being.
You do have rights since you were still paying rent when it was foreclosed, but, you don't have the right to just stay there until you are ready to leave. There is a time limit.
I would take the cash for keys option if they were to offer it.
Call your city hall. There will be city ordinances that cover these matters. The city willl enforce them.
