Flat sold, and new landlord hasn't told me where to send rent

RubiconArt

Hello.

I have been living in this flat for five years and last month the landlord sold the flat to someone else. I have received information from him; a letter saying that the building has sold, and the name of the business that now owns it, as well as evidence of all the gas checks etc it has had.

Last week I got an email stating that the estate agent has been changed to a new one; very interestingly, they answered on one of my many many ignored emails requesting assistance with the ongoing mold and mildew issues I have had, which says to me they've been receiving them but chosing to ignore them, which is great fun!

I have been given the new owner's name and address, but no other way of contacting her. I have not been given any information regarding where I am meant to send my rent, name or information of my new estate agent. I'm concerned this is in an effort to make it easy for them to evict us by making us go into rent arrears, even though I have been a model tenant when it comes to rent.

Wondering if anyone has any advice? I'm going to send a letter requesting that information and also detailing the issues with the building regarding mold and mildew, dissolving walls, rot etc... can't wait for yet another landlord to insist that it's my fault, of course. But I'm not sure what the situation is going to be and rent is due on the 2nd.

Brie

If nothing else be sure to set the money aside so that if there's no where to pay it to now you can pay it when it's requested.  

RAS

Your new landlord has to issue 2 forms to you if they want you to pay rent. 

Meantime put the money aside so you don't get faced with problems when they get their act together.

theartfullodger

Yes. New landlord needs to serve S3 &s48 notices, but it may be what you've been already given handles it.  

Suggest a calm polite letter detailing ANYTHING that needs looking at. Keep copy.

Remember to be a lettings agent in England requires no qualifications, no training. no criminal records check.  You could be dealing with pretty much anybody.  Other countries do this better.

Voyager2002

I suggest that you send the new landlord TWO separate letters. One of them should simply offer rent and request service of S3 &s48 notices. Take this letter to a post office and ensure you get proof of posting.

A second letter should give details of the issues that require attention.

theartfullodger

Voyager200y2 said:

I suggest that you send the new landlord TWO separate letters. One of them should simply offer rent and request service of S3 &s48 notices. Take this letter to a post office and ensure you get proof of posting.

A second letter should give details of the issues that require attention.

Want s48?  Without it no rent usually due.  Want it?

Shelldean

When our landlord changed and they never provided the details of where to pay the rent. I just didn't pay it. Kept it separate and waited.....they got in touch lol

This was a large social housing association, but the principle is the same. They'll soon contact you when owe them rent

RubiconArt

Thank you everyone, will draft a letter regarding state of the flat and second one regarding everything else. We're under contract for the next few months with the old landlord, but I'm somewhat worried they want to force us out so they can jack the rent and I'm not in a situation where I can afford to move out. I don't want to give them any ammo.

FlorayG

Open a new bank account and put the rent money in there. Then if the LL tries to evict you, you will have proof that the rent money was always available and you can explain to the court that you were not told where to send it.
They can't issue intent to evict for non-payment until you are 3 months in arrears and surely they will have themselves sorted out before then