Help for Renters 

Introduction

• In May 2009, a new federal law was passed to assist renters during foreclosure. Called the “Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act”, this law provides most renters with certain rights during foreclosure, namely, that most leases will survive foreclosure and the foreclosure sale purchaser becomes the new landlord. Most renters have the right to continue renting the property for the rest of their lease term, or at least to receive a 90-day notice to vacate after the foreclosure process is complete. You should seek legal advice to determine whether you have these legal rights under the new law. In the meantime, continue to pay your rent. Be certain to continue opening all mail addressed to “Occupant”, “Resident” or “Tenant”, as these notices are intended for you.

• Facing Eviction or Need Advice on your Rights as a Tenant

  • Public Justice Center, 410-625-9409, www.publicjustice.org
  • In Baltimore City: Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc.: 1-800-487-6007,
    www.bni-maryland.org
  • Maryland Legal Aid (13 offices around MD): 1-800-999-8904, www.mdlab.org
  • In Allegany County: Allegany Law, 301-722-3390, www.alleganylaw.net
  • In Montgomery County: Montgomery County Bar Association, 301-424-7651, www.montbar.org
  • In Prince George’s County: Community Legal Services, (301) 864-8353, www.lawfoundationpg.org

  
  If you are in need of emergency housing or assistance through social services, please call the United Way/First Call for Help Hotline at 211 in most areas or:

  • 410-685-0525 - Greater Baltimore
  • 800-492-0618 - Outside Baltimore, within MD.

• Resources for Renters in Foreclosure

  • This toolkit, crafted and maintained by the, provides a range of information on the new federal law to help renters in foreclosed buildings.
  • Renters Have Rights when their Landlord is Facing Foreclosure brochure from the Baltimore Homeownership Preservation Coalition and the Rental Housing Coalition.

  Find a New Apartment

  MDHousingsearch.org – a free service sponsored by DHCD that lists rental properties throughout the state of Maryland.

• Rental Assistance

  Are you in need of rental assistance? You may be eligible for DHCD’s Rental Allowance Program. For information regarding income limits, please visit the RAP information page. For assistance with the Rental Allowance Program, please contact one of the local Administering Agencies.