With such a volatile real estate market and declining economy, many people have lost their jobs and subsequently their homes.  For this reason, a lot of first-time or even established tenants are afraid to enter into a lease, not knowing if their landlord is financially stable and that the property won't go into foreclosure.  In May of 2009, a law was passed to protect tenants from being "kicked out on the street".  Click on the link below to obtain more information. 

Housing Law May 2009.pdf