My landlord is selling the flat I rent - am I able to get out of the contract?

yakadak2008

Hi all

Really hoping you can help.

I am locked into a 12 month contract which ends in July.

Due to a change in my marital circumstances I would really like to get out of there before July as I am struggling to afford the rent.

Last month the Landlord told me he has put the flat up for sale.

That is good news, as if it sells soon then I will be able to leave - but a friend of mine mentioned earlier today that now he has put it on the market I might be able to give him a month's notice and leave, even though it isn't in my original contract?

Is this true?

To be honest the landlord is being really decent with everything, but the simple fact is if I have to stay there until July I will be absolutely screwed financially.

yakadak2008

Planner

If its sold why do you think you will have to move? - it may be sold to another BTL investor who you will continue to pay rent to.

Unless your LL allows it, you are tied in until July. If you want to move out in July, at the end of your contract, you can, with or without a months notice. If you want to move out after your contract end in July you have to give a months notice.

Assuming your in England/Wales, you are very likley to have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement (AST).

molerat

Both of your contracts stand. The only way out of the contract for either of you is by mutual agreement. You do not have to allow viewings of the property so there is leeway for a bit of give and take.

bitsandpieces

molerat wrote: »

Both of your contracts stand. The only way out of the contract for either of you is by mutual agreement. You do not have to allow viewings of the property so there is leeway for a bit of give and take.

Yes - you're both tied in, but you could say that no viewings will be allowed until the Landlord lets you out of your contract. Hopefully, you can therefore persuade him to release you from your contract (though this may not happen if he's too skint to lose your rent prior to sale, and he may give you a lousy reference).

BitterAndTwisted

Negotiate with your landlord for an early release from your contract as this is your only option A property which up for sale with a tenant in situ is MUCH less attractive to a buyer because there is no guarantee that the tenants will actually leave quietly even at the end of their contract. Eviction can take months and months if the tenants are awkward and determined to stick it out to the last moment. Perhaps your landlord doesn't realise this?