Rental house also for sale

gazfocus

Last Monday we went to look at a house to rent and really fell in love with it. We have sent in the application, but thanks to Royal Mail being so slow, they still haven't received it.

However, we have since noticed that the house is also for sale with the same estate agents. When I phoned the estate agents to discuss this, they told me that they've had the house for some years and whenever a tenant leaves, the landlord puts the house up to let and for sale at the same time. I have noticed, however, that they have put 'Under Offer' on the lettings listing (presumably due to us applying for it), but the 'For sale' listing is still up.

When we went to see the house, we went back to the estate agents to get the application form, etc, and they told us they would hold the property for us.

So what happens if someone decides to put an offer in to buy the house? Can anyone offer any advice?

Thanks

G_M

No tenancy is created until you take occupation. However, as soon as the tenancy agreement is signed by you and the Landlord, and contract exists. So if the LL then failed to let you move in (ie after accepting an offer to to sell) you could sue for compensation.

In practice, until you sign the Agreement, the LL could sell. The promise to hold you've been given by the agent is pretty meaningless as far as a potential sale is concerned though should mean they don't rent to anyone else. Once the Agreement is signed, you are pretty safe in practice.

franklee

Yeah but the OP will only be safe for the length of the fixed term and even then may be bothered with viewings. I'd avoid if looking for a long term let as you just don't know when they will be turfing you out to sell.

456789

franklee wrote: »

Yeah but the OP will only be safe for the length of the fixed term and even then may be bothered with viewings. I'd avoid if looking for a long term let as you just don't know when they will be turfing you out to sell.

Been in this situation - had to leave after the first 6 months

Though as the landlord has been letting for a while they may be happy to keep letting for as long as you want it but it is a risk

Blackpool_Saver

look for another house.....

Kaleidoscope1972

when we sold our house and looked for rented..I was put off any properties that were also for sale as I knew it meant we would be troubled with viewings and also would have to be prepared for the property to sell.

gazfocus

Sorry, I didn't really explain myself properly. At the moment, the house is empty and because it's empty, the owner has put it up for sale and to let. However, the agents have assured me that if we move in, the property will no longer be for sale, but then when we move out, it will go back up for sale and to let. Does that make sense?

Also, what would happen about the £165 admin fee I've paid with my application? Is it reasonable to expect that back if they go on to sell the house?

Fire_Fox

If the owner sells the house before the tenancy starts you will get your admin fee back. If they sell the house after six months you do not get your admin fee back.

Procrastinator333

If you travel reasonably light, why not try and strike a deal, e.g. half price rent in exchange for letting them do sale viewings.

They still get some rent & the possibility of selling.

You get cheap rent plus a little uncertainty. Not suitable for all, but if you can move without too much fuss might be well worth making the offer. You would always get 2 months notice whatever happens.

gazfocus

Procrastinator333 wrote: »

If you travel reasonably light, why not try and strike a deal, e.g. half price rent in exchange for letting them do sale viewings.

They still get some rent & the possibility of selling.

You get cheap rent plus a little uncertainty. Not suitable for all, but if you can move without too much fuss might be well worth making the offer. You would always get 2 months notice whatever happens.

Thanks for the suggestion, however, we're looking for somewhere to settle (as much as tenants can settle).

When we went to view the house, we were very clear that we wanted a long term tenancy and the LA said that after the first 6 months we could have a contract for as long as we wanted which is the only reason we're going for this house. It's just a shame there's the uncertainty that it may sell in the meantime.

silvercar

Unless you ask you won't know. It could be that the landlord will sell up only if he doesn't find a tenant and the sales listing is the back up.