Should I stay or should I go?

quantumlobster

@Anna1965 - nothing has changed. Take a breath. You're all good.

Your LL is in the process of making what looks like a quite impressive balls-up, though.

Remember: the timescale from S.21 to you being forced to leave is measured in months not weeks, and that's assuming your LL gets everything right first time.

This LL couldn't order a big mac and fries right first time, it seems.

Comms69

Anna1965 wrote: »

Hello, I've come back earlier than I expected and would be extremely grateful for advice on what has just happened.

My LL has called to tell me that the builder, who has supposedly bought this property has instructed an estate agent to put the house up for sale for them. My LL said that the builder will own this house when my tenancy comes to an end. She said if I'm not out by the 1/4 then the builder will issue a possession order as I will be an unwanted tenant. My LL said that I will no longer be their tenant either. She said I would have to pay for the possession order and all other charges. - Far too simplistic. Relax. A possession order is issued by the courts (as we've discussed). Yes the builder would become your landlord; and yes you would be an 'unwanted' tenant. But it changes nothing. S.21 notice. Which would be invalid anyway as the deposit wasn't protected.

Her text was friendly, but she started pushing me for more information on when I would be leaving. She got a little nasty (she's under pressure as well as me) when I couldn't give her any concrete dates yet. I just can't do that at the moment until I know for certain that I have the other property. - so tell her to stop ringing you She said that I'm being obstructive in not giving her any dates to go on. She keeps reminding me that she sent a letter last August telling me that my tenancy would not be renewed. - irrelevant. The letter was not an s.21 as I now know, just a letter reminding me that my tenancy would not be renewed. I still haven't been issued with a s.21. - so relax

The estate agent of the builder wants to come next week to photograph the house and put upanother FS sign. - accept or refuse, up to you They have a key which the LL has given them. The LL is coming too. She has texted me for my permission. - up to you. (remember to change the locks)

I'm trying to keep my sensible head on because I know I have certain rights as a tenant (you all so kindly advised me of that) but I'm shaking from head to toe at the moment.

Relax, it's your home. You can ask them to leave at any point; if they refuse, call the police

fairy_lights

Anna1965 wrote: »

The estate agent of the builder wants to come next week to photograph the house and put upanother FS sign. They have a key which the LL has given them. The LL is coming too. She has texted me for my permission.

Now is definitely the time to change the locks.
Your landlady is probably shi**ing herself because she's realised she's messed up and is trying to make you feel like it's your fault.

Anna1965

Thank you Quantum and Comms, you're both gold dust.

Regarding me being an unwanted tenant - would my old tenancy agreement become invalid because I would have a new LL? If so, what would the implications be then?

I'll accept them putting up a new for sale sign, but I'll make sure I'll be here on Monday as well. After that I'll change the locks. Just to remind me again, please - can I refuse entry to the LL at any point, irrespective of what they want to do? I've had viewers come in over the last few months who I've shown around for the LL, so I've been very flexible with them.

Anna1965

Thank you Fairy Lights. I'm trying to pluck up the courage to do this. I'm going to have one almighty showdown with them when they can't get in.

Comms69

Anna1965 wrote: »

Thank you Quantum and Comms, you're both gold dust.

Regarding me being an unwanted tenant - would my old tenancy agreement become invalid because I would have a new LL? If so, what would the implications be then? - still valid so no implications

I'll accept them putting up a new for sale sign, but I'll make sure I'll be here on Monday as well. After that I'll change the locks. Just to remind me again, please - can I refuse entry to the LL at any point, irrespective of what they want to do? - yes. You can refuse entry / ask anyone, literally anyone to leave at any point I've had viewers come in over the last few months who I've shown around for the LL, so I've been very flexible with them.

Honestly when they come on Monday just say "I'll move as soon as I am able to" and nothing more

Comms69

Anna1965 wrote: »

Thank you Fairy Lights. I'm trying to pluck up the courage to do this. I'm going to have one almighty showdown with them when they can't get in.

No reason to.


They shouldn't turn up without notice anyway.

CarrieVS

Remember:



That's basically the sum of this situation. Quote it at them if they start taking the Michael! (If you decide to let them in to take photos, and you feel like being surreptitiously cheeky, print a copy and put it up on the wall/fridge.)

Anna1965

Thank you all for your incredible advice and support - and so quickly too.

Can I quote anything legal to her if she says she can enter the house at any point with or without my permission? I know I can change the locks (I'm calling for some quotes this afternoon), even though it states in the TA that I can't. But if I had some words to quote at her that would help.

Pixie5740

Anna1965 wrote: »

Thank you Quantum and Comms, you're both gold dust.

Regarding me being an unwanted tenant - would my old tenancy agreement become invalid because I would have a new LL? If so, what would the implications be then?

I'll accept them putting up a new for sale sign, but I'll make sure I'll be here on Monday as well. After that I'll change the locks. Just to remind me again, please - can I refuse entry to the LL at any point, irrespective of what they want to do? I've had viewers come in over the last few months who I've shown around for the LL, so I've been very flexible with them.

Your tenancy does not end or become invalid because the landlord changes. Your tenancy continues on exactly the same terms.

Your tenancy agreement should say under what circumstances the landlord can enter the property, inspections, viewings, etc. Legally your landlord must give you 24 hours written notice before entering the property. If you feel your landlord is harassing you keep a log and contact the police - harassment is a crime.