Home > Research Legal Advice > Foreclosure > The Lexis Nexis entry for my building says "mortgage foreclosure dispose...
Asked almost 2 years ago - Chicago, IL
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Our building has, unbeknownst to us until recently, been in foreclosure since 2008, with two sales--one that was overturned and one that was finalized, we believe, on May 24 ("mortgage foreclosure disposed/sheriff's sale approved" and then "order for possession").
Our landlord has, all along, denied that the foreclosure was happening, and removed any notices from the county that tried to ascertain the tenancy of our apartment, so he's really no help.
Who should we be paying rent to? Does our landlord still have any legal rights? And what happens now? My husband and I are at a loss. Help?
It's important to find the entity that is the legal owner of the property now. Until you are satisfied that you know who has a right to collect rent, I would not write a rent check to anyone. The lawyer who answered the question previously gave you good advice--if you live in Cook County, go to this website: http://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/?section=... and enter the case number of the foreclosure. The attorney who represented the Plaintiff (usually a bank or mortgage company) should be able to direct you to the new building owner. But again, make sure that entity can demonstrate that it owns the building before you start paying rent. If you're not sure, you may want to consult a lawyer. Good Luck.
The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing in Chicago has a special project which advises tenants in your situation. I recommend giving them a call. You might also want to contact the attorney who represents the plaintiff/lender in the foreclosure. Their name will show up in the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court's on-line records about the case. Many lenders will pay you "cash for keys" in order to quickly get you out of the unit.
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