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Original poster

Landlords, would you consider this if your tenants asked?

436 replies

DesperateTenant · 26/01/2024 03:47

I have rented my current home for 13 years. I am a good tenant, I keep the house in excellent shape and care for it as if it was my own. I have never asked for anything, rent is always paid on time.

Landlord has decided to sell and I only discovered this when someone knocked on my door wanting a sneaky viewing. They showed me the listing on Rightmove, complete with pictures I was completely unaware were taken.

I am shocked and desperate not to move. I came from nothing and I've made a life for me and my children here. We have a real community around us. I'm at the point where I'll be able to buy locally within 6 months and staying in the area is so important to me.

I completely understand that legally I am not entitled to be told when the LL is selling and have no rights to ask for anything from the LL and I don't know their personal situation.

But, for the landlords out there, in these circumstances if your long term tenant asked if you would consider waiting 6 months and offered to pay more rent (currently pay £850, would offer £1150) would you?

Would it be completely unreasonable for me to ask this?

In 6 months I'd have enough to buy the house I'm in and would do so in a heartbeat.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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MumofV · 05/02/2024 20:20

Sounds like he’s just a greedy stupid git who probably thinks he can sell the house for more than it’s worth and you will conveniently also leave at the exact right time.

writing is on the wall OP - put yourself first always, fuck him.

brightpompoms · 05/02/2024 20:01

Ask him why he's not interested? You don't have anything to lose by asking.

ReadingSoManyThreads · 05/02/2024 19:33

By law, you're entitled to your LL's address. So if it's not on your contract, your Letting Agent must provide it to you when requested. But as you've found him on social media, that will be better.

If you cannot get in touch with them, then go via the selling agent, but I'd make sure to tell them you are the existing tenant. But the LL would save fees by you going direct, so, financially, that would be better.

Original poster
DesperateTenant · 05/02/2024 19:25

I only contacted the letting agent to ask for the landlords details, I did not talk to them about the sale.

No matter now anyway. Back to Rightmove and refreshing new listings.

OP posts:
Daphnis156 · 05/02/2024 19:24

It doesn't seem the landlord can be trusted, given his underhand behaviour, so if you do ask, don't expect the truth or rely on anything much he says.

He could have just asked you if you wanted the place but chose not to. How did he get the photos?

MimiSunshine · 05/02/2024 19:15

DesperateTenant · 05/02/2024 19:04

Hes replied and said he's not interested.

Ah, disappointed.

I know you’ve contacted him directly but it sounds like you approached your letting agent and not the estate agent who he has it up for sale with. I’m not sure why you went to the letting agent as it’s nothing to do with them.

Anyway, id still put the offer to the selling agent and say you’re a keen buyer, you know the state of the house and what’s needed, not to mention the fact that it’s got tiny bedrooms etc.
then leave it with them, also remind them that you won’t allow viewings and the fixtures and fittings are yours, as are the flooring which you’ll remove if you go.

it may well be that your offer ends up being the only one on the table and so the agents strongly recommend that he accepts.
in the mean time, I’d find a way to secure your doors as I wouldn’t put it past them to do viewings while you’re at work.

Shithole101 · 05/02/2024 19:10

DesperateTenant · 05/02/2024 19:04

Hes replied and said he's not interested.

Ah, disappointed.

What an arsehole

Original poster
DesperateTenant · 05/02/2024 19:04

Hes replied and said he's not interested.

Ah, disappointed.

OP posts:
Beautiful3 · 05/02/2024 18:45

Just read your updates. Let us know what happens. I hope you get the house.

Alternat · 05/02/2024 18:37

Good luck OP! Really hope this works out for you.

Speckson · 05/02/2024 18:20

Good luck!

Original poster
DesperateTenant · 05/02/2024 18:16

I've sent him a message on Facebook so fingers crossed.

OP posts:
QuandaryOfLMakeUp · 05/02/2024 14:54

Definitely speak to your LL. estate agent fees are huge. If they wait for you for you, then they could avoid using an agent

Mummyoflittledragon · 05/02/2024 14:09

WineIsAFruitRight · 05/02/2024 14:06

In scotland there is a landlord register under each council and you can find the name and address of the landlord there. Not sure if there's the same in England? I managed to contact the owner of a flat above me with the details from the register. Maybe worth a try too.

No there isn’t. But op could get a copy of the land registry documents and find the owner’s name and address there… but I see op has found the business details.

Otherwise it should be on your tenancy agreement op. You can ask for a copy from the agent if you can’t locate it.

WineIsAFruitRight · 05/02/2024 14:06

In scotland there is a landlord register under each council and you can find the name and address of the landlord there. Not sure if there's the same in England? I managed to contact the owner of a flat above me with the details from the register. Maybe worth a try too.

Mummyoflittledragon · 05/02/2024 13:59

Draft something, which says you understand the property is for sale and would be interested in buying it directly rather than through the agent, which would save him estate agency fees. Tell him you would like offer x and state this is the best you are currently able to offer on the property. If her refuses, ask him to keep the offer on the table. Once you have a higher deposit, you could offer more…

Nextity · 05/02/2024 13:30

Draft something up. Reread it a few times or post it here for review!

Original poster
DesperateTenant · 05/02/2024 13:29

Nextity · 05/02/2024 13:21

Or maybe a name to try and find them on Facebook/Linkedin?

I think I've found his business page on FB.

I'm very nervous. I don't even know what to say.

OP posts:
Original poster
DesperateTenant · 05/02/2024 13:27

fliptopbin · 05/02/2024 13:14

One red flag that stands out here is that if the landlord is comfortable with instructing the gas engineer to sign off on an unsafe fire, he is obviously not that concerned about maintenance. I would be concerned that there are other major problems lurking that you are not aware of.
I know you already living there, but I would get full survey and get the electrics and gas looked at independently before you consider buying.

Yes, I absolutely will get a full survey.

OP posts:
Nextity · 05/02/2024 13:21

Or maybe a name to try and find them on Facebook/Linkedin?

Nextity · 05/02/2024 13:19

I would try really hard to contact the LL directly. Do you have a name or address on any of your agreements? Or deposit protection scheme paperwork?

Cutting out the middle man is likely to make the process clearer. You may find they have no idea how the estate agents have been treating you.

Original poster
DesperateTenant · 05/02/2024 13:18

emark · 05/02/2024 13:17

Offer to buy, landlord may offer a reduction in price especially if taken off market.
An agreement in principle for mortgage would likely help

Well, yes. I am trying to make a direct offer and I do have an agreement, I just can't get in contact with him.

OP posts:
emark · 05/02/2024 13:17

Offer to buy, landlord may offer a reduction in price especially if taken off market.
An agreement in principle for mortgage would likely help

worldwidetravel2017 · 05/02/2024 13:16

fliptopbin · 05/02/2024 13:14

One red flag that stands out here is that if the landlord is comfortable with instructing the gas engineer to sign off on an unsafe fire, he is obviously not that concerned about maintenance. I would be concerned that there are other major problems lurking that you are not aware of.
I know you already living there, but I would get full survey and get the electrics and gas looked at independently before you consider buying.

This

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