NCEPR: Delinquent tax notice on apt. bldg where I live

[redheadbaker]

I'm guessing this will vary depending on state (I'm in PA), but I'm not sure how worried to be about where I live. A constable posted notices on the building where I live that the building owners owe 5 figures in delinquent property taxes that must be paid within 16 days. If it's not paid, could we be locked out of our unit? Should we start looking for somewhere else to live? It took us ages to find a rental where we could keep our pit bull. 

[msmerymac]

Literally only from reading this it looks like if the building ends up being sold in a tax sale (which can take a while), the owner still has up to 9 months to pay up and buy it back, but you should be good at least until then. It's not super clear, though: www.inquirer.com/philly-tips/tenant-rights-property-sale-pennsylvania-20200928.html

[rubytue]

I looked into tax sales a bit. Like msmerymac, said, the owner has time to pay, then the person that bought that tax lien has to go through a foreclosure process before they become the new owners. It’s long a messy.

Most people who invest in tax sales are doing it to take possession and either sell or use it as a rental, so having a full building of tenants might be appealing without selling. The others who do it are trying to get earn the interest they get when the seller pays them back.

[mysteriouswife]

This happened to us in a SFH. The county placed a notice on the property then a few days later we were served with a notice in our name. We had the option to break the lease at not cost or stay the remaining time paying into a dedicated account. Thankfully, it was a miss understanding on the owners part and it was cleared quickly. We were not locked out or forced to leave. We had options. The state has tenant laws. I would look into those and see if you can find anything.

[scout8]

I don't know about your county, but in my county, it would take a very long time before the tax sale actually happened. Then, the purchaser would have to honor any current leases. I would imagine it is similar where you live. I don't think you need to be stressed about anything.

[ellipses84]

Is there contact info on the paper? Contact them and let them know you are a renting tenant. Also contact your landlord to make sure they know about the notice. Email is best to prove you contacted them all in writing, but I’d you have the call for the notice, ask for an email address and follow up. If they say it’s a mistake or it’s been taken care of, search your county records for proof that the property isn’t delinquent in taxes or hasn’t changed owners.