Pipes froze during foreclosure

[brokegopher]

My chpt 7 bk discharged March '09. I continued to live in my townhome until I received the NOD around Sept. I moved out and in Nov a law firm handling the foreclosure came, changed the locks, and winterized the home. The sheriffs sale was scheduled for mid January '10 but was postponed till April.

Yesterday I received a bill from the townhome association for over $12k! Early January the pipes froze flooding the unit and apparently causing a great deal of damage. While this is greatly unfortunate, there wasn't much I could do after they changed the locks!

How should I handle this? Isn't this the banks or law firms problem that supposedly winterized? I obviously can't pay this and don't want any judgement against me.......any ideas?

[logansdad]

WOW I was worried about something like that I am sorry to hear it I hope there is a way out somehow.

[BobMango]

I'd say if you were locked out by the lender you have a pretty good case for not being liable, but I don't really know what the law would say so your best bet is a consult with an attorney I would think. Perhaps a call to your bankruptcy attorney would be the place to start.

[HHM]

I would write back with a letter and any communication you have from the foreclosing lawfirm about changing locks, winterizing etc. and see what happens.

If you get sued, you may have to defend which means you might have to call as witnesses some of the staff from this lawfirm and do a lot of legwork.