Montgomery County Renters Hit By Foreclosure Crisis

BURTONSVILLE, Md. (WUSA) -- The mortgage meltdown is now impacting renters as their landlords go in to foreclosure.

"I got a call that we have to move, and we have 30 to 90 days to do so," Marcia Tilghman says.

She feels blindsided by news that her landlord is selling the Burtonsville townhouse she's rented for the last three years; it's being sold to avoid foreclosure.

"As someone that has a family, who wants to take care of their family, you don't need something compounding it -- making your situation worse," Tilghman says.

Tilghman is getting help with the rent with a voucher from the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities commission. Human resources Director Les Kaplan says a lot of families are finding themselves in the same boat as Tilghman.

Kaplan says, "With the increasing number of foreclosures, we find more and more people with vouchers are having to find other units, and its very stressful for them."

Especially for people like Tilghman who paid on time each month.

It's a nationwide problem, and in every state besides New Jersey and the District of Columbia, renters are not allowed to stay through the lease term if the house is foreclosed on.

"At this point, it's just about the 11th hour," Tilghman says.

Kaplan's advice: don't panic and call HOC right away.

"People who do have vouchers can get it extended and move and find another place."

Although she just got the news last Thursday, Tilghman is wasting no time with her house hunt.

"I've looked at three counties, Howard, Anne Arundel and Montgomery, because I want my kids to be in a good school district."

If you have a dispute with your landlord and need help to resolve it, contact the following office:

Office of Landlord and Tenant Affairs at 240-773-3600