Homeowners of foreclosed properties are often so desperate to find a way clear of the situation that they can fall victims to the unscrupulous. For renters the only difference being they usually become victims much sooner and are often unaware until they find out they’re homeless.

The current surge of foreclosures has been said to be the worst since the Great Depression. A shockingly increasing number of foreclosed single family homes, at least one fourth according to the California Apartment Association (RealtyTrac.com puts this figure at close to 38% nationwide), are tenant or non-owner occupied. These families often have little or no warning that their home is staggering towards foreclosure.

The protections in SB 1137 signed yesterday by California's governor include

• mortgage lenders must contact California home borrowers to explore loan modifications by phone or in person before starting foreclosure proceedings
• increases the eviction notice period from 30 to 60 days for tenants in foreclosure situations.

Read the legislative text