Please, please help -- what are my rights here?

itchyfeet123

Cavacrol wrote: »

But I don't understand why on earth they are advertising the flat as being available next month? Are they planning to murder me so that they can move somebody new in?

It could just be an advertising tactic -- potential tenant phones and is told, oh, that one's not available but since you're looking can I show you something else?

But it's still worth clarifying with the agent that you're on the same page re moving dates. Even if they can't move anyone in on top of you, they can still cause plenty of hassle which might be avoided with a phone call.

ultimatedingbat

Simple chain would do the job, installed with a few screws. We did this in our current rental house. Prevents entry when we're here if they just turn up.

Cavacrol

So, they served the Section 21 notice approx 2 months into my tenancy, with no end date on it. Let me go and find it quickly and post the exact wording

OK, back. It says:

"HEREBY GIVE YOU NOTICE THAT POSSESSION IS REQUIRED

by virtue of section 21 Housing Act 1988 of the premises

(“the Premises”)

which you hold as tenant after the end of the period of your tenancy which will end next after the expiration of two months from the service upon you of this notice."

The expiration date for the Section 21 would be the end of November, so AFTER the date they are advertising the flat as being available from. ALSO...a solicitor has told me that the landlord can't evict me on Section 21 until the end of my first 6 months. At the expiration date of the Section 21 notice I will be around 4.5 months into my tenancy (and it's an Assured Shorthold Tenancy)

So it's all looking quite weird.......

FBaby wrote: »

So what date did the S21 give? Did you give notice that falls earlier than the S21? Or is the S21 date next month once why they've advertised being available sooner?

Cavacrol

When the viewings do start taking place and a prospective tenant asks me something like :""have you enjoyed living here?" or "why are you moving out?" (in front of the lettings staff) what on earth am I supposed to say?

amersall wrote: »

I agree, I would want to be there to do exactly that

Cavacrol

these are fantastic. Thank you!

googler wrote: »

The five best door jammers

http://www.safewise.com/blog/top-rated-door-jammers/

No.2 is available in lots of UK outlets. Saw it in my local garden centre the other day.

(EDIT - I see the lock has been changed. Think of these as 'belt and braces', then)

gfplux

You don't need to change the locks. If you are inside the flat just put a wedge under the door. Even with a key they can not open the door from the outside.
The type of wedge is often used to keep an interior door open.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

Cavacrol wrote: »

When the viewings do start taking place and a prospective tenant asks me something like :""have you enjoyed living here?" or "why are you moving out?" (in front of the lettings staff) what on earth am I supposed to say?

Personally, I'd be completely honest. State any good points (close to the shops, nice and quiet, whatever) and then mention that "unfortunately, there has been a problem with the heating and hot water. It should be fixed by the time the next tenant moves in, and I have found the agents to be a little aggressive in their communications"


As long as your comments are factual, I see no reason for you not to be honest.

Lavendyr

For those following - OP has started a new post https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5545443

Miss.Twizz

Removed: Didn't realise there was a newer thread.

hign10pines

Cavacrol wrote: »

I've also just discovered they have listed my flat online as being available for prospective tenants to move into from 25th November. Erm........

I'm starting to wonder if I need a solicitor at this point

As a tenant you only have to give 1 months notice, is your rent 25th to 24th by any chance? Wonder if that us why its listed as available on 25th November

EDIT: Ignore didn't see the new thread plus they gave you notice first.