What is expected of tenants when landlord wants to sell?

[morningcuppatea]

We have just been informed by our landlord that they will be putting the house we rent up for sale.

We have been here 3 years and obviously it is quite 'lived in' we had planned that if we gave notice to move out we would decorate throughout and deep clean. There are also a couple of other issues with damp/mould and a leaky tap.

I now feel really under pressure to get things sorted for next week when they come to take photos.

Does anyone have any experience of what would be expected of tenants in this situation? I'm never really sure what we should sort out and what to contact the landlord for.

[LucyLocketsPocket]

The deep clean would be good to do. I think the other issues and decorating would be the landlord's responsibility though?

[Chicchicchicchiclana]

The mould and leaky tap issues were your landlord's responsibility, so let them know now. I can't see any need for you to decorate unless you've really trashed the place.

[morningcuppatea]

It was pretty trashed when we moved in, we painted most of it neutral and got rid of some awful garish colours.

It will be immaculately clean and de cluttered for the photos next week, I'm just worried in case they start picking faults while they're here.

[Requinblanc]

It is the landlord's job to fix damp/leaky taps...

Also, you still are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of the property until your tenancy ends. Meaning you don't have to agree to estate agents and viewers tramping around the premises while you still live there especially with Covid19. If I were you I would stress that out to your landlord...

They can wait until you have vacated the property to sell it. All I would do is make sure everything has been cleaned and all your stuff cleared when you leave the property ready for them to take it over.

[Justpassingtime1]

Was there an inventory done before you moved in?
So if there is a dispute this can be referred to?
Regardless of this though reasonable wear and tear
can be expected when people rent somewhere.
If there were any problems eg damp I presume you
reported them to the LL at the time?

[VanCleefArpels]

You don’t need to do anything at all. You don’t need to let anyone in if you don’t want to. You can change the locks if you think someone might let themselves in while you are out (keep the old licks to put back in when you leave). You don’t need to leave the property until the landlord has a court order. Don’t feel like you have to put yourself out in these circumstances.

[Loofah01]

You're not obliged to do anything outside of your contract. It will have a clause in there about viewings but it sounds as though you are very conscientious and will be tidying up etc regardless. You don;t have to paint it or clean or complete any job that is the LL responsibility. You'll need a pro clean on exit of the property unless previously agreed with LL. You don't even have to move out tbh, the new buyer might be an investor and want you as tenants; if the LL definitely wants vacant possession he'll issue a section 21 but that takes an age and there's a backlog in the courts at the moment anyway. Simpler to move to another place of course but entirely your choice

[WoolyMammoth55]

Hi OP, we have a flat we rent out and from my perspective you DON'T need to deep clean for the landlord. They should be budgeting for a post-tenancy clean after you leave - that cost falls to them not you, AFAIK. You've been paying to live there and reasonable wear and tear is on them to rectify.

What I would think would be helpful is for you to contact whoever you've been in touch with to arrange the photo session and explain your concerns - that you think there are a few things that would benefit from cleaning etc before the photos for the best end result.

The LL is likely to be paying for the photos (I assume) so if you give them a heads up about what needs doing ahead of time, that's proactive and helpful and might make them spend some £££ on a clean or some light renovations before they spend on pictures.

Best of luck!

[Bells3032]

I am a Landlord and I am selling my flat, I'd expect my tenants to give it a good clean when leaving but I also recognise they may not want to if they are being forced out. Any maintenance issues are for your landlord and the buyer to worry about and deff not redecorating unless it has deteriorated well beyond wear and tear in the tine you've been there.

[morningcuppatea]

Thanks everyone, it's really helpful. The LL did say they would be selling it with a tenant but when the EA called to arrange photos they seemed to imply it would be easier to sell without tenants, I know that's not really our problem though unless they actually give us notice to leave.

We will start looking for somewhere else though, we just can't afford to lose our deposit though so need to make sure everything is right.

[cabbageking]

Your landlord might sell to another landlord and working with him rather than against him might be benefical. Any sale could take months. Report the leak and ask the damp is investigated. Any viewing will adhere to the Covid RA. Opening windows to air the house. Leaving all doors open, EA to provide wipes/ run before and after viewins. Other than ensuring the house is clean that is it. Communication with the EA is key and trying to establish some suitable viewing times would be sensible. Are certain days and times like Friday and Wednesday afternoons convenient. What times do the EA work. You have been there 3 years and it could be another year before it is sold. Don 't antagonize the landlord for no reason. Ask that you are informed when an offer is accepted and if you are happy to continue to live there under a new landlord let the seller/EA know. Ensure you know what the local rental prices in the area.

[Levatrice]

I think your being more than reasonable in wishing to keep the house clean and presentable and are open to viewings etc. Few points to consider though; a ‘deep professional clean’ isn’t your responsibility to budget for. Don’t redecorate unless you have toddlers who have covered a wall in crayon etc maybe paint over that before estate agent pictures etc. Make sure estate agents don’t think they can traipse in viewings without your consent when your not there as they will 100% try this. Your house is not a free for all, viewings have to be at a time that suits you. LL responsibility to fix the mould etc but if you’ve chased this up
Already not much more you can do; if they don’t care that prospective buyers will see it.

[ICouldHaveCheckedFirst]

As a tenant, it's your home, and you don't have to let anyone in at all, for any reason. I can understand you want to stay on good terms with your LL, I'm sure you can work something out.

I assume you are not able/willing to buy it yourself?

[endofthetether]

I’d decline myself

[Freeekedout]

Was there an inventory at the beginning of the tenancy? You must leave it as you found it in order to get your deposit back. If it was cleaned to a professional standard, that is how you must leave it otherwise they can deduct from your deposit.

You sound lovely. Other tenants on here sound obstructive and I wouldn't want them living in my property. Remember, especially in times of Covid, that any new landlord may ask for references from the current landlord. I would try to be as accommodating as you can.

[RHRA]

Same as @Freeekedout- very sensible advice.

[Sunnyshores]

When you leave the property has to be in the inventory condition (less wear and tear), but at any point before that, it can be in any state and you cant lose your deposit.

Being reasonable, Id tidy and clean a bit, as I would for any visitors, but dont stress about it and spend too much time.

Id also send ll a list of works you think he may need to address for a sale. And perhaps detail some times when you are available for viewings, otherwise you'll have agents turning up whenever they feel like it. (bad experiences!)