Void agreement?

scatz

We've recently been contacted by the agents for our rented property to advise that the landlady has been in touch and advised them that should the landlord wish to gain access he is to be sent the agents way!

This has all come about because the landlord and landlady are getting a divorce. It worries me that we are going to be left in a situation where we are going to need to vacate the premises because they wish to sell.

Now, the bit that concerns me is the fact the agents advised us what they did! I can only assume that the landlady believes he may actually try to gain access. More so because the agents have advised me that they are wanting to change the padlock on the basement door. The property we rent is furnished so I'm worried that they may be going through a bitter divorce and he may try and attempt to remove possessions.....if not worse :eek:

I am trying now to stay ahead of the game and have started looking for another property so that we are able to move within our time scale rather than the possible aforementioned scenario!

We currently do not have a termed tenancy but are on a rolling month by month basis. However, is there any grounds for us to be able to give a shorter notice based on the perceived threat of what may occur? Afterall, we should be able to live in peace in our property and this hanging over our heads is, in my mind, not living in peace!!

In all reality, I expect I will end up paying a months rent on two properties as houses go so fast on the rental market that time would not be on our side to give a months notice on our current place (as we are part way through a month we would realistically need to give nearly seven weeks notice) and be able to ensure our tenancy on a new property by being able to move in at the earliest opportunity. Financially, this would put us back quite a few months :mad:

Just wondered what peoples thoughts were on this?

somethingcorporate

The easy solution would be to change the (barrel of the) locks - problem solved. Costs a tenner, how to guides up on youtube.

No, the perceived threat that has appeared (which may only be in your head at the minute) is not reason to break the terms of your tenancy agreement.

G_M

1) Access. Given the clear concern about access by landlord without prior notice/agreement, change the lock. Sorted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXAo7zSN-9o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIPyqtOmprE

2) Since you are on a Statutory Periodic Tenancy (it seems) you can be given 2 calender months Notice via a S21 Notice at any time. If this happens (and assuming it is valid) you will have to leave if/when a court orders you to.

scatz

somethingcorporate wrote: »

The easy solution would be to change the (barrel of the) locks - problem solved. Costs a tenner, how to guides up on youtube.

No, the perceived threat that has appeared (which may only be in your head at the minute) is not reason to break the terms of your tenancy agreement.

Aye, already got plans to head out this morning and get some new cylinders!

You're right it may well be in my head at the moment, but it's still a cause for concern. Always worth a shot asking about something though eh . Normally, a months notice would suffice and always has been fine with past landlords but I notice in the terms of agreement that my notice has to fall on the end of a rental period. Seeing as we are looking at a house tomorrow which we may well take and have to move in on the 1st April I can see I'm going to have to pay for April on both properties, even though we'll [hopefully] be moving out of our current property on the 1st!

dimbo61

If you look at the youtube videos you can pop the old barrel out and measure it carefully. From centre of screw to end of barrel 40/50, 50/50, 35/45 etc
Order online from Ebay of Amazon as this will be cheaper than most shops/B&Q etc

SerialRenter

Just remember to keep the old lock safe so you can swap it back in again at the end of the tenancy.