Letter: Renters of homes as helpless as those in condos

Sunday, Dec. 6, 1998 | 9:29 a.m.

I wanted to rent for a year to get to know neighborhoods etc. before I made a purchase decision. I rented through a reputable agency. I gave a healthy upfront deposit and paid my rent on time.

Unknown to me, the homeowner apparently didn't make any further mortgage payments and the home was foreclosed and sold at auction. I got an eviction notice on a Saturday morning giving me three days to move out.

I went to court that week and was informed by the judge that he had no option but to force me out. He extended to 30 days but I was still out. Paid up lease or not, renters have no rights in Nevada. Any other state I've lived in would have ensured that the new owner of the property honored my lease.

Luckily, I could afford the inconvenience and I have found an even nicer home ... with stable owners. I am a lucky one ... I feel sorry for those who are not able to afford to fight or, like my wife and I, just move.

Jim Strickland

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