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Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

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Information for Tenants

Many lenders try to evict all tenants from a property immediately after a foreclosure sale, even if the tenants have paid their rent on time and have not violated any terms of their lease.

Governor Patrick and the Legislature have ensured that a tenant's lease will no longer be terminated by a foreclosure sale.  According to a new state law (Chapter 206 of the Acts of 2007), tenants who live in a property that is foreclosed on are entitled to at least 30 days written notice if a lender wants them to vacate their apartment.  Also, if a tenant receives state or federal rental subsidy, the terms of their rental agreement will not be affected by a foreclosure sale.

Tenants who do not want to leave their apartments, after a lender gives proper notice, do not have to leave immediately.  They have a right to a hearing in court.  At the hearing, the court will determine how much time they will be allowed to vacate their apartment.  Lenders may not force tenants to vacate an apartment against their wishes without court approval.

Tenant's Rights Brochure

The Tenant's Rights guide provides renters with information to ensure that they understand the foreclosure process and are not unfairly evicted if the building they live in is foreclosed upon.  For the Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole and Chinese versions of this guide, please see the links below. 

Additional Resources for Tenants