I think my Section 21 is illegal.

Robsia

I have looked but there is little suitable. The one property I liked wouldn't accept an application because we have a dog.

I'm slightly concerned that all this will affect my reference.

I've rented property for 18 years. I have always been a good tenant, and always had good landlords, till this one.

I have always got 100% of my deposit back EVERY time and I've always had a good reference to move on, so this situation is new to me. If they don't give me a good reference, I can't get a new property, so surely they won't give me a bad one. I always pay my rent on time and always hand the property back in good condition.

thesaint

Robsia wrote: »

So far I've just ignored them.

Does this constitute harassment? Or can they do this?

I know damn well that I don't have to leave, and so should they.

So let them know that you know.

Robsia

Okay - this is the email I just sent them:

---

I understand what a section 21 is and exactly what it means, including the fact that the tenant does not have to move out at the end of the notice period. I expect you know that too.

I will let you know if I manage to find somewhere suitable to move to. I trust this will not affect my reference.

When do you plan to have the sticking window in the downstairs bedroom fixed? It cannot be opened so in the case of a fire in the hall where the bedroom door could not be opened, there is no other means of escape from the room. Also it causes over-heating in the summer due to lack of ventilation in that room. Our current issues do not negate the landlord’s repairing responsibilities. The non-opening window was pointed out to yourselves on 7th January. The landlord came in person to look at it in January but nothing was done. I mentioned it again on the day of the inspection on 26th June and again nothing has been done.

Regards

[name]

ruggedtoast

Robsia wrote: »

Okay - this is the email I just sent them:

---

I understand what a section 21 is and exactly what it means, including the fact that the tenant does not have to move out at the end of the notice period. I expect you know that too.

I will let you know if I manage to find somewhere suitable to move to. I trust this will not affect my reference.

When do you plan to have the sticking window in the downstairs bedroom fixed? It cannot be opened so in the case of a fire in the hall where the bedroom door could not be opened, there is no other means of escape from the room. Also it causes over-heating in the summer due to lack of ventilation in that room. Our current issues do not negate the landlord’s repairing responsibilities. The non-opening window was pointed out to yourselves on 7th January. The landlord came in person to look at it in January but nothing was done. I mentioned it again on the day of the inspection on 26th June and again nothing has been done.

Regards

[name]

Get in! That should wipe the smirk from their faces.

cycloneuk

Even though it was supposed to be a long term let and i understand your unhappy having to leave, but peoples plans change and that is just part of renting. It is not the landlords problem that you are unable to find some where sutiable, you have 8 weeks if you plan to vacate on time.

I wouldn't expect a good reference, they will realize the s21 is invalid eventually and issue the correct one so may choose to commence eviction proceedings after that expires if you are still there, landlord doesn't have much to lose if he is selling and may well refuse to give a good reference making it difficult for you to find somewhere else unless he is in a rush to sell.

Robsia

cycloneuk wrote: »

I wouldn't expect a good reference, they will realize the s21 is invalid eventually and issue the correct one so may choose to commence eviction proceedings after that expires if you are still there, landlord doesn't have much to lose if he is selling and may well refuse to give a good reference making it difficult for you to find somewhere else unless he is in a rush to sell.

Exactly, so it's not in his interests to give me a poor reference if he wants me to leave. I haven't actually done anything wrong.

G_M

It is clearfrom the thread that you understand the relevant law.

It is also clear you realise the S21 is invalid, and understand your options.

Thus it is simply a Q of tactics. This is a personal decision that only you can make after weighing up the pros/cons of each courseof action.

Good luck!

Robsia

It's scary though. I've never done anything like this - I'm a WYSIWYG kind of girl!

I also don't like to be forced into a corner, I tend to come out fighting.

So this whole situation has me really on edge, which is probably what they are banking on, me folding to avoid a fight. But by waiting till after the 27th July, now I've bought myself another month if they KNOW the S21 is invalid, or two, if they don't.

Of course if he offered to help out with moving costs I might be inclined to step up my search...

G_M

You need to be searching, whatever happens. You WILL have to leave,it is just a Q of when.

The time to negotiate moving costs etc is when your own position is stronger ie you have found somewhere....

GDB2222

Robsia wrote: »

I'm slightly concerned that all this will affect my reference.

I've rented property for 18 years. I have always been a good tenant, and always had good landlords, till this one.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: You can't have it both ways. Either you move out more or less in line with the (invalid) S21, or you don't get a good reference.

If you have a dog and assuming that is in contravention of the lease, the landlord can issue a S8 notice and go that route. It'll be quicker. Email or no email, you'll have a hard time persuading the court that the dog was agreed.

BTW, apart from wanting to sell up without your permission, what's makes this landlord a bad one?