Objection to our "For Sale" sign

145dude

Unsure where to post this question, but will try here!

We recently put our flat on sale and one of the residents in another flat here has objected to the For Sale sign which has been erected.

The lease states that signs can be erected "in accordance with best estate agency practice" - which it is. It's not in any windows, on the building, etc, it's outside the flat boundary on the road side.

The neighbour has made a real fuss with the management company who have now told us that despite the lease stating signs are OK, the landlord has since "changed their mind" and therefore wants the sign removed (i.e. to get rid of the person moaning at them).

Can someone please advise if what we are being told is true and enforceable?

Thanks very much.

tommie1shunt

Does it matter that much? I think most people do there searching for a house 1st online. Can not help with your question tho. Just seems a bit petty of your neighbour

blued

Why do they object? I really can't think of a reason for this!

Werdnal

I agree that it is a bit petty of your neighbour, but in fact I also agree that a sign is not really the be all and end all of marketing your property. If the agent is doing their job properly, they should be sending out your details on a regular basis to everyone on their mailing list, marketing it within their office and have it shown on their own website and Rightmove or similar.

IMO a "for sale" board is more of an advert for your agent than your property!

celyn90

If it is outside the boundary of the flat and not on his land, what say does the landlord have anyway?

BitterAndTwisted

They can't just alter the terms of your lease by informing you by phone, email or letter that they've "changed their minds"!

145dude

Thank you for your responses, the neighbour thinks it makes the place look "untidy". There is no reasoning with this person unfortunately.

I appreciate that most people look on-line for their property, but the For Sale sign is also on a road with a fair amount of footfall and passing traffic. Every little helps!

I've just spoken with the Managing Agent who said that we are allowed to put a For Sale sign in our window, but I challenged this as the lease strictly states that you cannot do this! The Managing Agent provided the reason for not having a For Sale sign outside is because it could be used as a lethal weapon!!

They are calling me back after discussing this topic with the landlord.

FTBFun

What does the leasehold document actually say? Its not up to the Managing Agent and the landlord can't just change the terms of the lease on a whim.

As far as I'm aware, there are no recorded cases of murder by estate agent sign.

GAH

Theres always one nosy jobsworth neighbour that loves to stick their oar in as they have nothing better to do with there life.

I agree with the other posters that it is not the be all and end all not having the board up, most of the serious buyers will be looking online, but the board is still an additional marketing tool.

I would get the board put back up, stuff what your neighbours and the rest think. The worst that happens is it gets pulled down.

145dude

The lease states:

"Not to exhibit any sign announcing that the property hereby demised is for sale or let within 12 months of the date of the lease and otherwise not to exhibit any such sign otherwise than in accordance with good estate agency practice".

The lease began in Sep 2005, so the 12 month bit in the clause is irrelevant now.

martinthebandit

I would reply to the Managing agents by saying.

'I hear what you say'

and then carry on doing as I liked, but thats just me