Landlord wants to sell but can he now?

wayforward2020

Hello my tenancy came to an end last month, but at the beginning of the year there was loose talk about the landlord selling the house and not renewing the tenancy.
obviously we have had the lockdown since and it’s now on a rolling basis, can he now issue a s21? How long would I be looking at to be evicted, I need to stay aslong as possible to gain money as I have no savings to be able to move in the next few months, how long have I got to find a new house and save for fees? Thank you

AdrianC

Yes, he can issue a three-month s21.
No, he cannot currently do anything once that expires.
The current stand-still on possession hearings expires way before your notice, however, so by the time that comes around possession hearings may be back on.

However, there WILL be a backlog once they're back on. You will not HAVE to move this calendar year, probably into spring, but it's all guesswork because we have no idea what'll happen with the pandemic.

KeepOnKnitting

He may be willing to sell with a sitting tenant (you) to another landlord. 

[Deleted User]

It doesn't really make too much difference right now how long you have.  Just save whatever you can for when its needed.  Go on the debtfreewannabe board if you need advice on how to cut your living costs to enable you to save more.

Please bear in mind if the LL does evict via court proceedings, you will have to pay the court fees for the possession hearing and the bailiffs warrant.  This was around £500. 

I assume you haven't been given a S21 yet?

greatcrested

* S21 notices must currently provide 3 months notice (Coronavirus Act 2020 )

* courts are currently not hearing cases before 23 August 2020.

* so unless there is another change therefore by the end of the 3 months the courts will by then again be hearing cases - but there will be  a long back-log

* nothing prevents the LL selling to another LL. Your tenancy continues- you simply get a new LL

Crashy_Time

If you allow viewings while you are there it could be long enough, it all depends on how much the landlord thinks his property is worth.

macman

Your tenancy has not ended. Neither you nor the LL has to renew a fixed term, and it has simply become a periodic tenancy. 

wayforward2020

Thank you, I feel a lot better knowing I can’t be pushed out in a couple of months if I can make it to six months it’s enough time to save for a deposit and fees for a new home, your comments are appreciated.

macman

Come back as and when the S21 is actually served. They are frequently invalid anyway if the tenancy has not been regularised.

wayforward2020

Thank you, that’s hopeful too I feel so much better asking on here you have all been very reassuring.

theartfullodger

That a landlord sells a property does not end tenancy nor compel tenants to leave. New owner simply becomes new landlord, even if sitting outside with removal van.  They have no extra rights to evict than current Landlord.

Just wait & see what happens.  If you are served with a notice let us know what notice and by whom.