Berrios Backed Bill to Protect Illinois Renters Facing Foreclosure-Now Law
November 19th, 2013
CHICAGO – A measure supported by state Rep. Maria A. “Toni” Berrios, D-Chicago, that protects Illinois renters if their landlords are in foreclosure is now law.
“As we continue to navigate our way out of the housing crisis, this new law offers protections for renters who may lose their residency at no fault of their own,” Berrios said. “If a landlord or property owner falls into foreclosure, the tenants should not be thrown out onto the street with no help or notice.”
Senate Bill 56 allows renters to stay in their homes until the end of their lease or be given a minimum of 90 days’ notice before facing eviction. Berrios joined groups including Housing Action Illinois and the Illinois Housing Development Authority in supporting this legislation, as federal protections under the Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure Act (PTFA) are in jeopardy.
Berrios has made an effort to protect both renters and homeowners, by working to freeze property taxes and help residents stay in their homes. During this year’s legislative session, she sponsored legislation that increases both the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption to provide much-needed relief to skyrocketing property taxes.
“Renters deserve to have the protections and safeguards in the same way that homeowners do, especially during these tough times,” Berrios said. “Going door-to-door to talk to residents where they live has given me the opportunity to speak with renters and to understand their lack of protection from foreclosure. This legislation provides some relief and fairness to the renters who follow the law and pay their leases on time, so that they will be allowed to stay in their homes.”
For more information, please contact Berrios’ constituent services office at 773-736-3939 or email repberrios39@gmail.com.
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