From CAR Member Legal Services
Tel. (213) 739-8282
Fax (213) 480-7724
November 4, 2025
During the Foreclosure
After the owner’s default but prior to foreclosure, what are the tenant’s obligations to the owner?
The borrower is contractually entitled to receive rent from the tenant even though in default on the note. A default on the note, in and of itself, does not create a breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment of the leased premises or a denial of possession to the tenant. Thus, the tenant who ceases payment of rent can be evicted by the owner or sued for breach of the lease. (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1161.)
After the Foreclosure
Following foreclosure, what are the owner’s/borrower’s obligations regarding the tenant’s security deposit?
After the foreclosure sale, the owner must return the security deposit to the tenant or transfer it to the foreclosing lender in order to be relieved of liability for the security deposit to the tenant (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1950.5 (h), 1950.7 (d)). The owner/borrower who in bad faith fails to return a security deposit to a tenant can be held liable to the residential tenant for up to twice the amount of the security, in addition to actual damages (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 (l)). For a commercial tenancy, the owner/borrower can be held liable to the tenant for bad faith retention of the deposit in statutory damages not to exceed two hundred dollars, in addition to any actual damages (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.7 (f)).
Readers who require specific advice should consult an attorney. C.A.R. members requiring legal assistance may contact C.A.R.'s Member Legal Hotline at 213.739.8282, Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. C.A.R. members who are broker-owners, office managers or Designated REALTORS® may contact the Member Legal Hotline at 213.739.8350 to receive expedited service. Members may also fax or e-mail inquiries to the Member Legal Hotline at 213.480.7724 or [email protected]. Written correspondence should be addressed to:
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Member Legal Services
525 South VirgilAvenue
Los Angeles, California 90020
The information contained herein is believed accurate as of November 4, 2009. It is intended to provide general answers to general questions and is not intended as a substitute for individual legal advice. Advice in specific situations may differ depending upon a wide variety of factors. Therefore, readers with specific legal questions should seek the advice of an attorney.
