Despite federal loan modification programs to help struggling homeowners, many lenders are refusing to play ball and are proceeding with foreclosures.

But some of those same lenders are quietly paying people to move out and find another place to live.

It's known as "Cash For Keys" and banks don't talk about it publicly but, in some cases, you can get thousands of dollars to help relocate.

Lenders are offering the cash instead of paying to evict people, and they hope the cash will cause angry homeowners to leave quietly instead of intentionally damaging the homes they leave behind.

"Plumbing can be taken, fixtures can be taken, appliances can be taken," said foreclosure specialist Marshall Mandell of the damage sometime encountered in foreclosed homes. "It's not unusual to see holes in the wall, graffiti all over the place."

But banks also give cash to unsuspecting tenants like Kyhm Clark, who had no idea the bank was already moving in on the Edmonds home she signed a rental agreement for last spring.

"Two months before we suspected there was a problem, when an order of default showed up on the door," Clark said.

One of the kids found the notice. Next they got a shut-off notice from the water department, then a visit from a real estate agent.

"Are you aware the bank repossessed the home and you need to move? The bank wants it empty now," Clark said, recounting the conversation with the agent.

Many landlords purposely withhold foreclosure information from tenants in order to continue to collect rent. Some landlords even go as far as removing default orders that are posted on the rental property to further keep tenants in the dark.

The tenant's first clue is often when a bank representative comes to the door telling them the home has been repossessed by the bank.

As of May 2009, tenants of foreclosed property have the legal right to a 90-day eviction notice. Unless the new owners intend to use the home as their primary residence, tenants also have the right to stay in the home until the lease is up.

But not all tenants know their rights, and some banks are using cash to speed up the process.

Clark said she was offered $2,000, but she knew it would cost more than that to move her family.

She asked for two full months of rent in exchange for agreeing to be out by a certain date.

The bank ended up giving her nearly $3,000, so she turned in the keys and found a home that's foreclosure free.

Depending on the home and the circumstances of the foreclosure, banks are reportedly offering $500 to $5,000. As part of the deal, you must leave all fixtures intact, remove all of your personal property and trash, and leave the home damage free and in "broom clean" condition.

Keep in mind that "Cash For Keys" is voluntary and, as with loan modification, not every lender is willing to play ball.

But it doesn't hurt to ask, especially if you're a renter caught in the middle of a foreclosure.

For more information

Cash for Keys: Why Banks Pay Homeowners to Move Out

New law protects renters of foreclosed homes