Landlord has sold the property

Linda_Seddon

Hi

My son lives in a rented flat. His landlord has sold it and, although my son was aware that it was to be sold, the first confirmation he had was this week, when he received a letter from solicitors advising that the completion date was 14th June. He has paid rent up until the end of the month.

He hasn't been given any notice nor does he have the contact details of the person who has bought the property or their bank details in order that he can pay rent. The letter from the solicitor was on plain paper and the only clue that it was from the solicitor was the franking mark on the envelope.

Can the new landlord evict him or does he need to give him notice? My son was advised that the new owner wanted it to live in and not as an investment.

Thanks

Linda

Worriedmummy

When does your son's tenancy agreement end or has it already ended?

Linda_Seddon

Gosh that was quick!

He's been in the flat for almost to 2 years. It was initially for 6 months and then rolled over month by month. I'm sure there'll be a name for it!

Linda

HB58

I am surprised that someone who wants to live in the house has completed (if indeed they have) without vacant possession.

Whoever now owns the property, you son still has to be given 2 months notice. Even then, he doesn't have to drop everything and move it this is not convenient for him. He should put the rent money by each month until he gets 'the address for serving notices' of the new landlord.

DVardysShadow

Linda_Seddon wrote: »

The letter from the solicitor was on plain paper and the only clue that it was from the solicitor was the franking mark on the envelope.

Can the new landlord evict him or does he need to give him notice?

He is probably on a Statutory Periodic tenancy - 2 months' notice from landlord, 1month's notice either to run from the start of the rental period next after notice is given. So he will remain a tenant until at least the end of August.

Is there any address on the letter itself for contacting anyone? I would suggest he writes to that address and asks for details of the new Landlord - plus stating that the new Landlord will become responsible for the return of his deposit and that they should make arrangements with the new Landlord for transfer. He should keep a copy of the letter.

Linda_Seddon

No, the letter is printed on plain paper, no letter head, no reference and no printed name just a signature which is illegible. The only reason he knows it from a solicitor is the franking mark.

He's never had any problems with his landlord and they've enjoyed quite a good relationship but he's now not answering calls, texts etc.

Yorkie1

You should be able to find the address / contact details for the solicitors firm if you google 'find a solicitor' and input the firm's name through that.

lil.smartie

Is it a personal rent or through an agent? Any agent should know details, also who has his deposit if there is one?

Kate

Linda_Seddon

Also, if he decides he wants to move out will he need to gove 2 months. Apologies for doing this for him by proxy. He's not internet access where he is at the moment

DVardysShadow

Linda_Seddon wrote: »

Also, if he decides he wants to move out will he need to gove 2 months. Apologies for doing this for him by proxy. He's not internet access where he is at the moment

If this is true, he is on a contractual periodic tenancy. On a statutory periodic tenancy, it is one month's notice. He needs to read his tenancy agreement carefully.

Linda_Seddon

Big thanks to you all for your replies.

You've been really helpful!

:beer: