Landlord losing property for non-payment of taxes

My son received a letter yesterday Tuesday, July 6, 2010 from the landlord stating that due to non-payment of taxes, the landlord’s property was going to be sold on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at an auction.

The letter noted that on Thursday, July 8, 2010 the landlord intended to enter the premises and remove all of the appliances, refrig, stove etc. and on Tuesday, July 13,2010 they intended to have all utilities turned off to the building.

The landlord knew that he was losing the property, yet he made all of the tenants, in the 6 apartment building, pay the rent without any previous notice to them. When my son called the landlord to ask about getting back the rent- pro-rated of course, and the security deposit he was told that the landlord had no intention of giving the money back.

Is there anything my son can do to get his money back. He needs that money to put down as a security on a new apartment.

Please advise as time is of the essence.
Thank you,
Michele