Landlord wants to sell the house, advice please.

Jowo_2

MissMoneypenny wrote: »

..I think the sensible landlords have already realised that not giving a reference to tenants, works both ways: he won't get his tenant out quickly: he can expect his tenant to exercise their right of quiet enjoyment, so no viewings for prospective buyers until the house is empty (and no rent comes in on an empty property). .

True, but if the tenant has forced the landlord to seek a court order to regain possession of the property, then its equally possible they will give a deserved bad reference for the inconvience,time, expense and effort the legal action costs them, if they are confident that the judge will rule in their favour in the near future.

AnxiousMum

If you simply talk to your landlord, you may find that if you are willing to allow him to show prospective buyers around (with appropriate notice of 24 hours), then you may be able to stay longer in the property on the understanding that say, in February, you find somewhere else suitable, you will not be held to any notice period, and be able to take up your new property immediately.

He would then of course, still have to give two months notice to vacate if the house sold in the meantime, but would have rental income coming in in the meantime, plus would still be able to have his house insured fully as there would be an occupant in it and it wouldn't be sitting empty.

There may be ways around of having to move - but do you want to live like that? Eventually, the landlord will get you out through the courts, and when he sells it, it might even be to someone who is buying as a buy to let property and be happy for you to remain on as the tenant.

Surely it's better to work amicably with them and maybe give yourself more time that way?

MissMoneypenny

MissMoneypenny wrote: »

It's a brave or foolish person who gives a bad reference these days.

dmg24 wrote: »

If it is honest, I don't see why it would be foolish?

I'm guessing you don't work? People get sued for giving bad references: it is much better to not give a reference or just give a very basic reference.

MissMoneypenny

Jowo wrote: »

True, but if the tenant has forced the landlord to seek a court order to regain possession of the property, then its equally possible they will give a deserved bad reference for the inconvience,time, expense and effort the legal action costs them, if they are confident that the judge will rule in their favour in the near future.

The judge will rule in their favour if they have issed a correct section 21: but it's not just a case of issiung a section21 and having the tenant removed on the date the S21 stipulates.

If the landlord gives a bad reference, then they will never get rid of the tenant in a timely fashion. Especially if the council has to step in find a place to rehouse them. Plus if the landlord refuses to issue a good reference, the tenant can exercise their legal right of "quiet enjoyment" and refuse to allowing any viewings while they are in the house, which will cause a void for the landlord of a month or two.

If I were the OP, I would look for a new place and leave at the end of the fixed term. It's much better to be proactive, than reactive.