quick question!

pesky_princess

hi there... just a quick question if anyone would be so kind to advise...
I live in a rented house.. my tenancy is up at end of feb -had a call today from estate agent saying that landlord has instructed them to sell the house and they want to come and take photos outside and inside the house... i am not at all sure whether this is ok... can they put the house up for sale during my tenancy? There is nothing in my agreement that mentions if LL wants to sell up.
many thanks!

Magentasue

I don't think there's anything wrong in this except it would have been nice of the landlord to let you know before you got a call from an estate agent! To me, it seems thoughtless since, although it's not your house, it is your home until February.

my_gorgeous_ellie-belle

I think they can put it up for sale but your are still on a tenancy and as long as you are not breaking any of the 'tenancy rules' then you are still able to live there until it is up, even then you have to be given 2 months notice that you are to move out.

As for photos i think as long as they agree a time or give you a certain amount of notice they are within there rights to do so.

But im sure someone will be along shortly to clarify for you.....x

my_gorgeous_ellie-belle

Is the agent the same agent as the one you are renting from? Just to understand your situation better. x

Doozergirl

You have the right to peaceful enjoyment and you can refuse to let them in - they can only give you notice to quit which will be the end of Feb anyway - they must do this before the end of decemeber if they want you out at the end of the tenancy. It's obvious what's happening anyway so it's time for you to look elsewhere and then you can make the timescales fit for you. It's not a time when people are generally looking for rental properties so I'm sure you can strike quite a good deal

I wouldn't hang around paying them rent and putting up with viewings while they are looking to give you notice as soon as an offer is forthcoming. Take the quiet time of year and find yourself somewhere better

pesky_princess

hello! thanks!
Yes... the estate agents is the same as whowe rent it from although a different branch so i have never had any dealings with the people who want to come and take photos... i asked him where he wanted to take photos presuming he was just going to say the front of the house but he says he wants ones of inside the house particularly the master bedroom... i am a bit against that really as its my bedroom with my bed and personal belongings etc in it and he wants to go taking pics... is that allowed or can i put my foot down with that? its all very invasive for my liking

pesky_princess

Doozergirl wrote: »

You have the right to peaceful enjoyment and you can refuse to let them in - they can only give you notice to quit which will be the end of Feb anyway - they must do this before the end of decemeber if they want you out at the end of the tenancy. It's obvious what's happening anyway so it's time for you to look elsewhere and then you can make the timescales fit for you. It's not a time when people are generally looking for rental properties so I'm sure you can strike quite a good deal

I wouldn't hang around paying them rent and putting up with viewings while they are looking to give you notice as soon as an offer is forthcoming. Take the quiet time of year and find yourself somewhere better

I already have found myself something better anyway... before i found out about this i had been looking about as we have had a few stresses with the landlord for a while and i wanted out at the end of the tenancy really, so we have found somewhere and will be taking the new property on at end of january and be paying for 2 properties for the remainder of the time - as we didn't want to miss the boat as it were with the house we found... and we did get a good deal - a much bigger house with 2 extra bedrooms than we have here for not that much more than what we pay here (landlord has upped the rental quite a lot since we have been here) so i am happy! i just resent having to have photos etc took with all mybelongings here.. i might be being funny but i find it invasive :-(

Doozergirl

pesky_princess wrote: »

I already have found myself something better anyway... before i found out about this i had been looking about as we have had a few stresses with the landlord for a while and i wanted out at the end of the tenancy really, so we have found somewhere and will be taking the new property on at end of january and be paying for 2 properties for the remainder of the time - as we didn't want to miss the boat as it were with the house we found... and we did get a good deal - a much bigger house with 2 extra bedrooms than we have here for not that much more than what we pay here (landlord has upped the rental quite a lot since we have been here) so i am happy! i just resent having to have photos etc took with all mybelongings here.. i might be being funny but i find it invasive :-(

Then you absolutely need not put up with it. If your tenancy has been approved and references obtained then refuse, otherwise, get it all sorted, agree with this agent to take photos in a week or so's time. Then cancel it

It is invasive and if you are really not happy, then you shouldn't put up with it. I wouldn't be happy with my belongings advertising a dodgy landlord's property either.

You have the right to 'quiet enjoyment' and you can use it. If you need a reference from the LL though, you need to get through that really before you become 'difficult'. Some agents' tenancy agreements refer to viewings during your notice period but I'm not sure it's reasonable if it's not you giving notice. And they haven't given you notice yet either, have they?

pesky_princess

well i reluctantly agreed for them to come next week... but i think i may cancel it the day before and then say i will get back to them to re arrange
and YES! i have had all my references come back(they got a reference from the agent - not the landlord- the agent who got contacted about it does not like the landlord following loads of hassle from him and so said he would not be telling the LL and he would give me a good reference!) and i successfully passed the credit checks etc :j so i can't wait to move out of here!!!

I don't see why he should advertise his property for sale with photos of all my things making it look nice for the pictures - especially as he has been a git for the past year!

CYBERCIDERSAVER

How about only letting him take photos of the interior bedrooms so long as it looks empty. i.e. move any furniture from the shot. will make people think BTL LL who's desperate to sell. That's what I think everytime I see an empty house for sale. Put's the seller in a weak negotiating position.

also If he wants to seel why not open a dialogue with LL about leaving early and get out of paying for the february rent as you won't be there.

Just a thought.

CYBERCIDERSAVER

And Always insist on being there for viewings. Then chat to the prospective buyers and if they are looking for a BTL then inform them you are moving out. If for a home then inform them you have a lease until whenever it finishes.....

Also for viewings why not do an anti makeover? Get everything out of the cupboards as though you have no space. and maybe have a few boxes filled up lying around because "you don't think the loft will take the weight (especially good for an older property)
Just think of the advice you see on house doctor (and the like) and do the opposite!!