CHARLOTTE COUNTY - Florida ranks 3rd in the country for having the highest foreclosure rate in November, according to Foreclosures.com.

Unfortunately, the troubled housing market isn't only affecting homeowners. It's also hurting renters.

Port Charlotte resident, Holly Linkins, says she may be forced to move after the home she was "leasing to own" was foreclosed on.

"We had the cash so we just gave it to her [the owner]. We thought she was paying the mortgage, but she wasn't," says resident Holly Linkins.

Linkins has lost nearly $10-thousand-dollars to her landlord.

Charlotte County Housing services says renters need to be careful as foreclosure rates continue to rise.

"Landlords are struggling too. They're behind, they haven't had renters for a while," says Lorraine Helber of Charlotte County Housing Services.

Helber says its important for buyers and renters to always consult an attorney.

It's something Holly Linkins wished she had done.

"I know when we walked out of there I had that bad feeling," says Linkins, "I just knew... I just knew."