Purchasing a Foreclosure with prior Owner belongings inside

[Peter S.]

Helping out my brother in law who just bought a foreclosure. The previous owner still has all their stuff in there but they are not physically living there. The water is turned off and they have an apartment somewhere else. I have been in touch with them. I know someone has certain rights (which would require an eviction) when they have been foreclosed on and they physically occupy the property, but this person just has their stuff there and they reside elsewhere. They said the bank was going to give them money for Cash 4 Keys but they never got around to getting all their stuff out of the property to get the money from the bank. 

Anyone have any idea what their rights are from similar experience? All responses come with the caveat "consult a local real estate attorney" :)