At least eight homes in Gene Copus' neighborhood in southern Polk County just east of Brighton sit empty. Lawns that once were nicely manicured are overgrown messes of grass and weeds.

"It's unsightly; it makes the neighborhood look bad," said Copus.

Copus says the houses are in foreclosure. So he's been trying to find out who's responsible for their upkeep.

"It should be up to the banks to mow and keep it presentable," said Copus.

Representatives of several banks say it's not that easy. There's a foreclosure limbo period that can take months or longer. During that time, lending institutions can't simple take over the property.

In some cities, health departments can step in. They will clean up the property, put a lien on it for the cost incurred and, when ownership returns to the bank, the lender pays the bill.

Polk County doesn't have any ordinances dealing with these matters. That means he will not only be stuck looking at these eyesores for some time to come but he'll also have to deal with the problems that come with them.

"We're concerned about rats and mosquitoes and pests, just normal things like that, that are going to get into our homes and everybody else's homes around."

Once the foreclosure process is complete, most lenders will take over property maintenance.