Notice to Quit - So upset

Tygermoth

Its four in the morning, the house is asleep and I am downstairs in the dark bawling.

We live in this row of wonderful decrepit old farm cottages on a large country estate and deer park. In our row of cottages we have great neighbours. One has been here 40 yrs, other 20 and the last 16 yrs, We are the newbie at 8 yrs.

Yesterday we all received notice to quit from the landowner who has finally found away round the 'no sell' covenant that the land trust holds on these properties and has found buyers. They want vacant possession. section 21 with 6 weeks notice (they were held up in the post for two weeks)

We all are devastated.

As the houses were supposed to be a long term 'lifetime' rental farm cottages we all have pets, chickens goats and such. (myself i have one dog, three cats 12 chickens) being mainly estates staff the pay is very low but having a smaller rent in what was considered as a secure tenancy you were ever likely to get... so none of us have the huge fees that private landlords/agents want.

I cant believe that in six weeks I will no longer be in this wonderful home that i have loved as my own since i moved in. Away from my fantastic neighbours and great community. I cant even imagine what my older neighbours are feeling at the moment, i have only been here 8 years, 40 yrs an then told to move in 6 weeks must be terrifying.

The idea of packing up and moving seems so overwhelming. this house is by no mean perfect the estate has not spent a penny on it in the 8 years we have been here (we have though, i may add). the rest are in worse condition, but its semi rural yet close to town, quiet, sunny peaceful and a joy to live in.

The viewing today was a house twice the cost of here only just barely affordable so we will be living hand to mouth - a cardboard box in town, people everywhere, tiny garden overlooked from all sides, noisy and nasty area. but it was good for the money (in fact was the cheapest house advertised) and our best option because they will allow pets. Leaving there I have never cried so hard in my life.

I know, first world problem, I wil have shelter heat and a roof over my head but i am so sad right now and its not like me. i love a challenge, i always see the bright side but i just cant get over this.

Had to take out a loan to cover the fees (thankful FD have pre agreed as we would have been in dire trouble had they no) i just cant believe the staggering cost. for a house i don't even like. three months rent (two as deposit, one standard/one pet deposit) £700 fees £200 credit check £175 check in and inventory fee.

Anyway, i am just burbling now. I will go wash my face, have a glass of water and go to bed as the alarm is due to go off in a hour

Onwards and upwards.

fishpond

I am sorry, I have no answer, I just feel dreadfully sorry for you all.

Tygermoth

Thank you Fishpond, thats so sweet.

Today is a new day, I was hoping it will bring better news. however the OH passed me a letter that was unopened in the confusion of the last few days and its a demand from the tax office PAYE advising me that i owe £250..

I may just go back to bed

jjlandlord

I doubt that a tenant of 40 years would be on an AST. More likely a Rent Act tenancy with very strong security of tenure.

If you, on the other hand has an AST, these are the rules of the game.

chanz4

I would check the section 21 is valid first

Pixie5740

I feel for you, this must be so gutting.

My understanding of a notice being served is when you received it, not when it was sent. I know this is probably a silly question but have you or any of your neighbours contacted Shelter to see what your rights are and/or what alternative housing options are available to you?

theartfullodger

If section 21 only gives 6 weeks it is invalid.

Even if valid it does not end your tenancy nor require you to leave.

'phone Shelter's helpline 0808 800 4444

Sadly Thatcher brought in laws allowing landlord to evict tenant - even perfect tenant - for no reason at all. Eventually even the most stupid landlord will get you out so you need to find somewhere else.

Was a deposit paid?? Was it protected within 30 days of you paying it?? (May be another reason s21 is invalid).

Don't tell landlord s21 may be invalid

Best wishes.

anselld

Pixie5740 wrote: »

I feel for you, this must be so gutting.

My understanding of a notice being served is when you received it, not when it was sent. I know this is probably a silly question but have you or any of your neighbours contacted Shelter to see what your rights are and/or what alternative housing options are available to you?

Notice is served two days after first class posting to the correct address for serving notices. Actual date of receipt is immaterial.

deary65

As you are staff-it seems to me you hold by way licence with little or no security. The first thing to do is take your agreement to a legal person, they may need to see the trust deeds as the trust may not be capable of granting a tenancy.

freeisgood

Is it possible you could all rent a large property in a rural area together, Like an old farm, so you can keep your neighbours and also have somewhere for your animals.....if it comes to that? Sorry for the stress you're feeling

gordonbennet

Yes - do get legal advice (and/or help from Shelter) - along with the other tenants if necessary, although your rights will probably all be different.

If you plan to fight this, don't go paying out large sums for a new place yet. In fact don't pay any fees to any agent until you are safely in a new property!

As has been said, a s21 doesnt mean you HAVE to be out on the date of expiry, that is simply when the LL can begin court proceedings if you havent yet moved out. There are lots of reasons why it could take the LL several weeks or even months more. (One example- If you paid a deposit and it wasn't protected correctly in a government approved scheme, then the s21 will be invalid.)

Meanwhile you are not breaking the law by staying - it is your legal right to do so until there is a court order for possession.