So much for long term...

Esqui

I know renting's never much fun, but this takes the biscuit. We left our old flat in April, and moved to a lovely place. We told the LA that we were looking to rent long-term (several years), and the property was advertised as such. It looked great, so we took it.

We've always paid our rent in full and on time, get on really well with the neighbours and generally love the place. So it was no surprised to receive a letter on Monday offering us a further 6 months. When we rang up to confirm our acceptance (and pay a pretty damned steep £125 for the privilege), they said that there was no renewal on offer.

The following day, we received our S21 notices. It seems the LL just changed her mind.

I know there's nothing against the rules here, but we were starting to get settled. This place was perfect for us, and we always said right from the start that we wanted to stay for a few years or more. Of all the worst possible things to happen, this is probably it - my boyfriend is starting his second year of uni in a few weeks (having to move house at exam time in April/May didn't help either). I'm having a pretty stressful time medically, and moving house was a huge trauma last time round. And it completely sucks that there's nothing we can do (unless we can convince LL to change her mind).
And wherever I go round here, if we ask for a longer contract we'll just be laughed away. Please tell me there are still decent landlords around?

Pixie5740

I feel your pain. I've moved 4 times in less than 3 years. I'm hoping my next move will be the one into a property that I own. That said, fingers crossed, my current LL doesn't seem to want rid of me when my current tenancy comes to an end in November.

It does seem particularly crap that you were offered a renewal only to have to snatched away. What was the £125 for? Was it a tenancy renewal fee? If so you should try and get it back since you would've renewed if the LL hadn't changed her mind.

Do you know she's changed her mind? Is she looking for more rent or selling perhaps? No that it matters really I suppose since sooner or later you'll have to find somewhere else to live if she wants you out. Maybe her personal circumstances have changed since your tenancy started, who knows?

There are some good landlords out there. My current LL fixes things when they need repaired and for the most part leaves me alone to get on with my life.

Esqui

The £125 was for renewal, but we never got the chance to pay it!

Solsol

Maybe she's selling up? Is buying out of the question? You would at least have more security - I'd start saving if I were you!

Esqui

No, she's not selling. Turns out my boyfriend had told the letting agents about a couple of problems (the bathroom tap had hardly any water flow, and the gatepost at the front of the house was in poor condition and liable to fall down), they told the landlady and she decided we should leave.


Not sure who I am more angry at right now...

luvchocolate

I feel for you, I have been in the same rented property for 5 years each time I renew its for 2 years and the estate agent does not charge a fee to renew...rent has never changed either.
Like you I made it clear I wanted long term....so yes there are some good L.L out there...I do hope you find one.
Good luck x

RAS

Most LLs only offer a 6 month tenancy at the beginning and then go periodic. And often the tenancy continues long term.

Please do not get angry with BF for mentioning the the problems. If the gatepost broke and he had not mentioned it, the LL would be trying to charge you against the deposit. Ditto the water.

Just an awful LL, I am afraid.

LisaLou1982

Definitely agree that you have had a lucky escape if the landlord is serving you a s21 because youve pointed out repairs!

We are happy when our tenants let us know of repairs as it often means we can get things fixed before further problems arise as a result of ignoring the initial problem in the first place!

There are good landlords out there. Hope you manage to find something soon.

lulalola

Are you 100% sure this has come from the landlord? Have you spoken to her directly? Please do if not. It's not unknown for letting agents to lie about landlords wanting tenants out (also lying to the landlord, saying that the tenants want to leave).

Esqui

lulalola wrote: »

Are you 100% sure this has come from the landlord? Have you spoken to her directly? Please do if not. It's not unknown for letting agents to lie about landlords wanting tenants out (also lying to the landlord, saying that the tenants want to leave).

This came from the LA. They said they tried to convince her that we were only trying to help, but she would not change her mind. I don't see why LA would want us out, as we've caused no problems with them.


The only reason I can think the LA would want us out is if they are extremely bigoted, and that doesn't bear thinking about

fairy_lights

Esqui wrote: »

This came from the LA. They said they tried to convince her that we were only trying to help, but she would not change her mind. I don't see why LA would want us out, as we've caused no problems with them.


The only reason I can think the LA would want us out is if they are extremely bigoted, and that doesn't bear thinking about

If you leave and they agent has to find new tenants, they can charge the LL fees for that, as well as referencing and admin fees for the new tenant and possibly a check out fee for you too.
It actually works out better financially for the agent if they have a higher turnover of tenants.
Without actually speaking to the Landlord you don't really have any way of knowing who is telling the truth.


But there are still decent landlords out there and I hope your next one is one of them!