I live in Iowa and recently rented a home that was in the process of Foreclosure without knowing it. I moved in on 12/18/06, after the Foreclosure was filed and the Foreclosure was finally awarded to the bank on 4/06/07.

I had to purchase all of the appliances to fill this home (fridge, oven, dishwasher to fill the huge hole in the cabinets), plus things like lawnmowers and such. I came out of an apartment so I didn't have any of these items already.

Are there any laws against renting a property in the Foreclosure process?

My landlord was 6 payments in the rears ( I received a copy of the court documents) at the time they rented me the property and had no intention of catching up the payments.

I want to take them to small claims for punitive damages, but I'm just not sure what to do. Regardless if they're broke, the pressure of owing the money would suffice for me as punishment enough if I was awarded in court.

Any advice appreciated.

Aaron Lopez

I don't know, but you're probably wasting your time and your money going after a guy who is broke. You have every right to be angry, but, honestly, you need to let this one go. Talk to a lawyer--if they actually think you have a case they'll take you on pro bono (no charge until the case is won). If you can't get that, I'd move on with my life if I were you.