Landlord selling. What are my rights?

Renter2016

Hello,

When I viewed my current rental property, I was advised it would be a long term let as LL had no intention of selling. I was advised it would be a 6 month tenancy to begin with and then I'd be allowed a 12 month should everything be ok.

It hasn't been a great tenancy as problems in the property were never resolved. 4 months in, I've been given my section 21 notice as the LL is selling.

That's obviously his right, his circumstances may have changed but I obviously feel angry and upset as it's been a big shock.

My tenancy agreement says I have to allow viewings in the last 2 months with 24 hours notice. Does this over ride my right to quite enjoyment of the property?

The reason I'm asking is I've been asked to allow some viewings and I don't want to. Im struggling with my health at the moment, as well as dealing with a tricky baby. I also want to come and go as I please without having to be tied to the house at a certain time of the day, if I want to go for a walk to get the baby to sleep for example. The letting agents don't have a key so they can't let themselves in, I would need to be here. I don't like the idea of giving them a key either.

We've also approached the council about getting help as we are not in a position to pay out more agency fees, bond up front etc. They have basically said to wait to be evicted. Am I right in thinking the agents can't sell to someone (other than a BTL LL) before we've left? Or have I got that wrong?

Thank you

arbrighton

It is very unlikely that anyone buying with a residential mortgage will be in a position to exchange and complete without the property being vacant, no, but that doesn't mean a sale can't be agreed and progressing.

If you want a reference from your landlord, it might be wise to be a little flexible re viewings. Usually viewings don't take more than about 20 minutes really.

If it was to be a 6 month then extend if everything is ok, then it was always clear that you might have to move after 6 months.

fairy_lights

You could negotiate with the landlord and say you will be able to more flexible about viewings, if you're not stressing about how you're going to move. So if they could give you your deposit back now then things would run a lot more smoothly for everyone involved.

Renter2016

When I said it would be extended if everything was ok - they meant as long as we paid on time and didn't trash the property. It's standard with this letting agency to only offer 6 months initially. We'd even verbally agreed to a 12 month one from October, hence why this has been such a shock.

I know viewings only take 20 minutes. It's just things are very, very difficult for me right now so this is the last thing I need to be honest.

We can't speak to the LL direct, this is all going through the agency so they've said we can't get our deposit back sooner.

If we had been here longer we would have been saving in the event that this might happen, but we've not had the chance to do that yet as we've been buying furniture etc. The council have said we basically need to find a private rent as that's our only option as we'd be on the list for a council house for years. But without the fees upfront it's just not possible so we're just going round in circles. I hope we'll sort something out somehow, it's just in the mean time various personal things mean having people trapsing through my home is just too much to handle at the moment. I know the agency and LL have done everything legally and above board, but the way we've been treated and spoken to is awful

skint-student-nurse

Contact Shelter, they would be able to advise you on what you can do to find a new home,financial help you may be entitled to,to help you move and other advice you may need. I have used them in the past and they have always been very helpful.

simonwinter

You should have made an agreement for at least 12 months as you can't just claim on a verbally agreed 12 month period.

MEM62

Renter2016 wrote: »

Hello,

When I viewed my current rental property, I was advised it would be a long term let as LL had no intention of selling. I was advised it would be a 6 month tenancy to begin with and then I'd be allowed a 12 month should everything be ok.

It hasn't been a great tenancy as problems in the property were never resolved. 4 months in, I've been given my section 21 notice as the LL is selling.

Sorry to hear that you have been messed about. It must be very frustrating. However, the fact is that the initial terms was only 6 months. Any discussion about longer periods is just that - discussion.

That's obviously his right, his circumstances may have changed but I obviously feel angry and upset as it's been a big shock.

My tenancy agreement says I have to allow viewings in the last 2 months with 24 hours notice. Does this over ride my right to quite enjoyment of the property?

The reason I'm asking is I've been asked to allow some viewings and I don't want to. Im struggling with my health at the moment, as well as dealing with a tricky baby. I also want to come and go as I please without having to be tied to the house at a certain time of the day, if I want to go for a walk to get the baby to sleep for example. The letting agents don't have a key so they can't let themselves in, I would need to be here. I don't like the idea of giving them a key either.

Your agreement is to allow viewings - not be there to allow access or personally conduct them. I would refer this matter to the Estate Agent and suggest that they obtain a key from the LL as you are not prepared to play gate-keeper. I think you are being taken advantage of in this respect.

We've also approached the council about getting help as we are not in a position to pay out more agency fees, bond up front etc. They have basically said to wait to be evicted. Am I right in thinking the agents can't sell to someone (other than a BTL LL) before we've left? Or have I got that wrong?

Perhaps you could ask the letting agent to be flexible on fees for your next property as you were led to believe that this would be a longer term proposition. Had you known that would not be the case you could have picked another property and not had the burden of additional fees.

Thank you

I hope you manage to get something sorted.

marksoton

Renter2016 wrote: »

We can't speak to the LL direct, this is all going through the agency so they've said we can't get our deposit back sooner.

(

Of course you can speak to the LL. And agent is talking c@rp.