My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Texas
My family moved into this house in January of 2010. We were renting from a friend. In the fall of 2011 they defaulted on the mortgage after the death of one of the owners. Shortly thereafter we stopped paying rent. Our surviving friend had no dispute with us for this action as she was no longer paying a mortgage payment. She knew we would be forced to find housing eventually.
Little did we realize it would be about 5 years before things would start happening. My friend just received an Auction Notice. She gave me the heads up or we would have never known the time was upon us. The property will be auctioned on Sept 6, 2016.
We are considering bidding on the house, but I doubt we have enough savings for a winning bid.
I need to prepare myself for eviction. There is no lease agreement. We are not in a rent agreement at all so we are not breaking any agreement with the previous owner.
As of today we have received no communication directed to us as the current tenants. I assume that taxes are owed for the 5 years the house has been in this process.
What are my options? How can I safely maximize our time in this house while we seek new housing?
There are 6 of us! Me, my wife and 4 kids. I really need to think this one thru:-)
Thanks in advance for any advice given.

