Why was I given a section 21 when i signed my lease?

twirlie

I've just been looking through my tenancy agreement and I've found this document, entitled "Section 21(1)(B) - Notice Requiring Possession of a Dwelling - House let under an AST.

Basically, it says that my landlord hereby gives me notice that he will require posession of the property on the 23rd Feburary 2008 (a year after I signed my lease) and is dated as issued on the day I moved in.

I have not rented anywhere before this, and was wondering if this is standard practice? Obviously I signed it, so what does that mean for me? I HAVE to move out on the 23rd Feb? I'm confused.... as far as I knew, my landlord was hoping to rent to me for the long term.

Any advice would be appreciated!

IveSeenTheLight

twirlie wrote: »

I've just been looking through my tenancy agreement and I've found this document, entitled "Section 21(1)(B) - Notice Requiring Possession of a Dwelling - House let under an AST.

Basically, it says that my landlord hereby gives me notice that he will require posession of the property on the 23rd Feburary 2008 (a year after I signed my lease) and is dated as issued on the day I moved in.

I have not rented anywhere before this, and was wondering if this is standard practice? Obviously I signed it, so what does that mean for me? I HAVE to move out on the 23rd Feb? I'm confused.... as far as I knew, my landlord was hoping to rent to me for the long term.

Any advice would be appreciated!

I'm not an expert, but I wonder if this is a shrewd landlord (maybe he has been stung before) who covers themselve buy automatically given you notice at the end of your AST.

I recommend you just speak to your landlord and ask him if this is still the case and that you should be prepared to look for another property to rent.

It may be that they are happy with you as a tennant and would want to extend the ASt , thereby you sign another lease which includes a section 21 for the end of your "new" lease period

Raver2k7

I too had one of these when i moved into my house. Basically its so that if the landlord has to evict u, it saves them sending out one of these at the time. (bit silly really) U should get another one when u renew the lease nxt year. May be worth checking with the landlord anyway

Debt_Free_Chick

It means that you will automatically be evicted on 23 February 2008 UNLESS you and the landlord sign a new tenancy agreement. Beware!!!! You need to start thinking about opening a dialogue with the LL regarding a new tenancy - suggest you ask him in December - AND AT THE SAME TIME look for a new property in case he does not agree to a new tenancy. Come 23 February, you will have nowhere to live, unless you find a new property or unless the LL agrees to a new tenancy.

Guy_Montag

If possible get in touch with you LL by e-mail rather than on the phone. It's always best to keep these things in writing - it makes it harder for them to change their mind at the last minute.

BobProperty

twirlie wrote: »

I have not rented anywhere before this, and was wondering if this is standard practice? Obviously I signed it, so what does that mean for me?

It's not "standard" practise but it is common. What it means for you? You can't deny receiving it if the landlord wants possession in 12 months time.

Debt_Free_Chick wrote: »

It means that you will automatically be evicted on 23 February 2008 UNLESS you and the landlord sign a new tenancy agreement.....Come 23 February, you will have nowhere to live,....

DFC don't panic the OP! Come 23rd Feb the landlord can start possession proceedings, in reality they will take several weeks if not months. You will not be on the street on 24th Feb unless you so choose.

coal9011

It's despicable practice happening all to often nowdays by "lazy" Letting Agents and "dodgy" Landlords who regard tenant's with contempt!

In effect you are being given notice to leave at the start of your tenancy and often tenants are not aware of what they have signed or have been misled by being told "its just routine".

I pose this question: would any "informed" or "sane" person want to move into and become settled in a home where they are given next to no security of tenure? By signing this form you are allowing your LL to issue you notice at month 4 of a 6 month tenancy agreement!

I say that the law needs to be changed in respect to this practice.

If any LL or LA asked me to sign a Section 21 at the start of a tenancy agreement, I would tell them to "get stuffed!" and leave them with an empty property and go and find myself another to rent.

I suggest you take the time left on your agreement to have a good look around for a really nice flat that suits you to a greater degree then your current one and with better terms (maybe even cheaper). Then when if your asked to renew the tenancy reply: "i'm off mate" leaving them to have to go and search for a replacement tenant :mad:

loveandlight

Posted by coal9011
I suggest you take the time left on your agreement to have a good look around for a really nice flat that suits you to a greater degree then your current one and with better terms (maybe even cheaper). Then when if your asked to renew the tenancy reply: "i'm off mate" leaving them to have to go and search for a replacement tenant

Assuming of course that the new LL/LA don't want a section 21 Notice signed..........;)

Debt_Free_Chick

BobProperty wrote: »

DFC don't panic the OP! Come 23rd Feb the landlord can start possession proceedings, in reality they will take several weeks if not months. You will not be on the street on 24th Feb unless you so choose.

Thanks for clarifying that - for others as well as me

It was this that threw me ...

Basically, it says that my landlord hereby gives me notice that he will require posession of the property on the 23rd Feburary 2008

It seemed as though the OP had received notice of possession - not notice of proceedings. Is there no difference then?

BobProperty

I think that's standard wording of a S21 notice. (Haven't seen one for a few years).

coal9011

loveandlight wrote: »

Assuming of course that the new LL/LA don't want a section 21 Notice signed..........;)

Oh yes, thats all that is needed ......... every LL doing it! :rolleyes:

However I did say: ............. "one with better terms (maybe even cheaper)" :j