Understanding Foreclosure: Disclosure of New Owner's Information

A tenant has a right to be notified in writing if the owner of the building changes.

The foreclosure court may enter an Order of Possession with an Order Confirming Sale. This changes who owns the building. A tenant must be notified of this in writing. A tenant can learn if this has happened from the case records which are held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Within 21 days of taking ownership of the property, a new owner must:

• Try to find out the names and addresses of all tenants in the building.
• Give the tenant written notice of:
  • The foreclosure;
  • The name of the new landlord;
  • Who to contact for repairs;
  • The name and case number of the foreclosure case; and
  • How to pay rent
• Post the written notice on the property

New owners cannot collect rent until they give the tenant notice. If they don't, a tenant can get an eviction case thrown out of court.