patrick.net

If it was a beater car, I am guessing it was a private detective. They like to use those because they put a lot of miles on their cars. Plus, an investor would not be using this kind of vehicle. I can't figure why they wanted a photo. Maybe to know who to serve an eviction notice to? Or the the mortgage company is thinking of suing the owner.

This sounds like a big headache and the best thing is to move out. Short sales, as we all know, are a waste of time. The owner sounds like a flake, and is taking the rent money, not spending it on the mortage.

Underdark says

I can’t figure why they wanted a photo. Maybe to know who to serve an eviction notice to?

Maybe the owner lied about getting rental income? Who knows, sounds creepy

Just move out. Why is this so hard to understand?

They don't CARE 1 IOTTA if there is a RENTER or NOT, They are foreclosing, and you are in My opinion CRAZY to pay him the rent IMHO. When he is not paying the mortgage, He is living for free, and depending on the STATE he has been a good long time, why not you also, I mean all you are doing is lining his pockets seemly unjustly if you asking me. As to the guy with CAMERA he likely needed to be able to read the NUMBERS on the address, and a wide angle lens can get a whole house from pretty close.

Thanks for the advice. My town is on the smaller side and I don't want the reputation as a deadbeat. I have a contract. However, with the intention of ultimately owning it, we would put the money back into the house as paint is peeling and wood is rotting.

A few months ago, we requested that we place rent into escrow for the purpose of repairs and upkeeping (he didn't go for it). He's coming over this weekend to fix the radiator in the bathroom and "oversee" painting and tree work. Why do you think he is putting money into the house now? He indicated that he doesn't care who buys it or at what price, as it is a short sale.

We are in the market for buying something for less than $550K here in Fairfield County, Conn., but our standards are currently higher than "lake in basement" or "downright ugly" or "filthy 1950s kitchen" or "house abuts 2 acres of cliff and rocks (for which we'd pay property taxes)". We will not be in a hurry to buy something until eviction seems imminent. We've been waiting for three years to purchase something in our town and the quality of the inventory has only kept getting better and better.

Hey, we eventually want to buy in Fairfield CT as well. But, like you, we're not willing to pay $500K for 1500 sq. ft. colonials that haven't been updated in 40 years.

Edit: Don't stop paying rent - read the guide below -it is specific to CT law and will tell you everything you need to know to protect yourself.

See this guide for everything you need to know: http://www.larcc.org/pamphlets/housing/is_landlord_foreclosing.PDF

Bottom line: They cannot force you to move until at least 90 days after the foreclosure. If you are 62 or over or disabled they cannot force you to move, ever.

Thanks, Storm. If we stop paying rent, we also face eviction, don't you think? We've got a son in grade school and an eviction would be horrendously disruptive. Even given the facts, doesn't a judge have to evict us if Landlord brings the eviction action? It is simple - we don't pay, we get evicted, right?

Sorry, bad advice - I think the guide is best for your situation. It's tempting to stop paying rent if your landlord is not doing his part, but in any case the bank may be your new landlord soon.