I would just start looking for another place asap. You don't need to deal with the deadbeat landlord's headaches. Good Luck.

I think legally you are obligated to pay the rent even under the criminal circumstances. However, if you didn't, and the landlord tried to sue you for it...I would suspect the judge to swing your way. That said, there are the questions surrounding a security deposit. Did you give one? Is he giving it back? No reason not to as in my opinion, even if you trashed the house, he couldn't hold onto it I don't think. Hope it works out for you!

Good Morning Lisa, i am saddened to hear what has happened to you. No they just can make you leave. In general they will give you a 30 day notice to vacate. At the end of 30 days they will seek a writ of possession for the property which will take a couple of more weeks which you will be able to speak and ask to make arrangements to move out. Now as well you can ask the property manager to complete a cash for keys, this is when you tell them when you can move out and they will offer you money to leave by that date and to leave the property free of any furniture/belongings etc. They will start at $500 but may go up to $1500 so try and negotiate. It will take the stress of you and get you a little money. Most important is dont pay your ex landlord any more money. Good luck with your move lisa.

Lisa,

Sorry to hear. I agree with Derek, this is becoming common. I would also agree with Chris, it's time to start looking for a new place to live while you research your options.

I'm not an expert, but here are some websites that may provide answers and assistance.

State of Michigan Practical Guide for Landlords and Tenants
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Landlord__Tenant_Guide_10-…

HUD provides Housing Counseling and rental assistance on the right hand column.
http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=mi

You may also qualify to purchase through MSHDA
http://www.michigan.gov/mshda

Information about foreclosure and stages of foreclosure (keep in mind, there are some special circumstances where these timelines can be considerably shorter)
http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,1607,7-141-45866_47905-177801--…

LISA again! Thanks for all the answers! I have found a place but it is not ready till Oct. 1, it is a good deal for the size i am looking for, close to town for my children and it is not a foreclosure nor up for sale. It is the best deal i have, i know the tenants now and the landlord is wonderful. So i am trying to at least get till the 1st. of Oct. , would hate to move and then move again on the 1st . of Oct. I am sick of moving my children! My Aug. rent was due Aug. 20th and my current landlord told me to hold it till this weekend , not to put it in the bank, just give him cash - should i even pay it??? I feel what he did was wrong, he could have been honest and just told me , right?

Well thank you to everyone here!

Better start making plans to move YES the bank will evict you, YES utilities will be turned off, your agreement is with the former property owner not the bank, banks will want you out.
Sorry to hear about your circumstance.
http://www.lynn911.com http://www.homes-for-sale-dallas.com

The first thing is don't panic. Second, it's time to start looking elsewhere. You should find out what stage of foreclosure the home is in. If it just went to the sheriff sale, you have some time, likely. I would not continue paying any rent to the "landlord" based on what you have said here. You will have a hard time getting the electric turned back on if there is a balance owed...unless you pay the balance. Depending on the stage of foreclosure, the sheriff "could" move you out in what's called a "curbside eviction". It seems to me that the first thing to do is call the slumlord and find out what point its at.

Lisa,

This is a VERY common problem right now, and is why our company is doing some very unique things to try and address such issues.

You will want to inquire with an attorney, but very doubtful anything can be done to help you. Find out when the sherriff sale was, and you have 6 months from then to vacate. The main thing you will want to ask an attorney is about the payment of rent, or not, going forward.

Please keep us posted ... wish there was more that could be done on this end.