Is it fair to expect LL to tell you

missminx

We have recently heard from a reliable source that our LL is deciding between selling the house we live in, and knocking it down do build a new house. We have looked and there is planning for 'a single dwelling' from about 8/9 years ago online but doesn't say if it is in the grounds or instead of the house. When we moved here last August they stated they were looking for long term tenants and we explained that we intended to stay as permanently as they would allow, and the situation seems to have suited everyone. However we are now concerned about the position we could be left in if they give us notice. We have written to them and just explained what we have been told, and if they would be kind enough to let us know if this is the case in order for us to be prepared (not saying we'll leave or anything)- we currently have access to a static caravan which is on the market, and could be withdrawn from sale in a worst case scenario. But they have not acknowledged it, so I am now worried that the caravan will sell and then they will give us notice. Our 6 month tenancy has expired at the end of January, and I'm not entirely sure where we stand. How much notice is required now is it still the same as in the standard shorthold tenancy? Sorry if I have rambled, I am a bit stressed and hoping someone can provide a little guidance really as to our rights and theirs,tia.

slyracoon

The Landlord is under no obligation to tell you of his plans for the property.

He must however honour the terms of the contract. Now that your fixed term is over you are on a statutory periodic tenancy and the landlord must give you 2 months notice to quit if and when he sells or wants pessesion of the property. (This must be served as a Section 21 and must coincide with a rental period.)

missminx

Thanks for reply. Rentals are hard to come by around here. We have had a good relationship with them. A bit gutted that they specifically wanted long term and that's why we moved here. I think we are going to have to sort out getting the static taken off the market, as we are in such a sticky position.
I suppose the only other option we have is to ask about signing a new agreement and see what they say. I would just rather know. I guess it is the lesson that there is no security in renting and we can't buy in the forseeable future either, so we're stuffed I guess.

System

Ignore the planning application from 8/9 years ago as, assuming it was approved, he didn't start the work so it will have expired.

missminx

!!!!!! wrote: »

Ignore the planning application from 8/9 years ago as, assuming it was approved, he didn't start the work so it will have expired.

Thank you. It's more the worry of selling then. I really hope it is a false alarm

kford224

We rented a property a few years ago and we were hoping to be there for at least two years. Unfortunately after being there around 10months, we woke up one morning to find a man whacking a 'For Sale' sign on the front lawn. We were devasted that the landlord had obviously decided to sell without even the decency to let us know.:(

On the plus side, we were given three months notice, although had to endure a few viewings over that time (nothing worse than people viewing your home when you don't want to move!). We then managed to negotiate staying another month as the house had had no offers, but the landlord refused to let us stay beyond that and we had to move out not long before Christmas. We were model tenants, taking great pride in the property and were very sad to leave at the time. However, we did find a better house nearby shortly after leaving and I was especially pleased that even 8months after we had moved out, the landlord still hadn't managed to sell it....:D

I guess it is a case of what goes around, comes around!!

Anyway, try not to worry, but may be worth keeping an eye out and having a plan b on the off chance.