Deadline Set for PTFA Letter, Call-In Day Scheduled

Advocates are urged to sign letters encouraging their Senators to co-sponsor S. 1761 and their Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 3543, bills that would extend and improve the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA). The deadline to sign the letters is May 30. Advocates are also invited to participate in a national call-in day on June 3.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced S. 1761 and Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced H.R. 3543, both known as the Permanently Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act. The Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA) is the only federal protection for renters living in foreclosed properties. It ensures renters the right to at least 90 days’ notice before being required to move after a foreclosure. Prior to enactment of the PTFA in May 2009, tenants could be evicted from their homes with as little as a few days' notice. If not extended by Congress, the PTFA will expire on December 31, 2014.   S. 1761 and H.R. 3543 would address the ongoing impact of the foreclosure crisis on renters by removing the PTFA’s sunset date, thereby ensuring that renters have a basic level of federal protections regardless of when their residence undergoes foreclosure. The bills also would better ensure compliance with the law by adding an enforcement mechanism, a private right of action, for tenants whose rights under the PTFA have been violated.

On June 3, NLIHC will hold a national call-in day during which advocates should contact the Members of their Congressional delegation to urge them to co-sponsor the Permanently Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act. To get your Senators’ and Representative’s contact information, call the congressional switchboard at 877-210-5351, or visit NLIHC's website and enter your zip code at “Contact Congress” on the lower right-hand side.

To sign the letters, go to http://bit.ly/1nAcpbq   View the letter to Senators at: http://bit.ly/1hKbHBgView the letter to Representatives at: http://bit.ly/1gAJeNU

View a list of current co-sponsors of S. 1761 at: http://1.usa.gov/1l9il6qView a list of current co-sponsors of H.R. 3543 at: http://1.usa.gov/1gjuCYP