Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Landlord selling up. What are my rights?

32 replies

VelveteenBunni · 24/08/2020 21:14

As above really. Letting agent has informed me today that the landlord has instructed them to sell. They are trying to find an investor for it to be sold with us as sitting tenants I think he said?

We have had a turbulent time in this house with repairs not being carried out and such, so I'm really shocked instead of righting what is wrong with the house he has chose to sell it instead.

OP posts:
Stressedmummyof4 · 24/08/2020 21:25

I was in this position 5 years ago with my family, I had to get written notification that they were planning to sell and wanted us out to take to the council. We can't afford to buy as only dh works, I'm at home unable to go back to work due to my son having additional needs. We need a three bedroom property at a minimum and anything else seemed way out of our league in the private rental market so really our only option was council housing.

We went to apply, had a meeting with the housing officer for our area. We couldn't go on an emergency list as we couldn't afford the emergency accommodation it was something like £40 per day/night which we were liable for as dh worked. So we bunked between family houses for two months and then went to Ireland and stayed with family for around three weeks in the holidays before they managed to come up with something.

This was Scotland. All I can say is we now have our home and couldn't be any happier, at the time it seemed like the worst thing ever I cried for days from total worry.

All I can suggest is either speak with the estate agents and see what else they have available or speak to your lock authority!

Good luck x

safariboot · 24/08/2020 21:28

Your rights are unaffected. Your tenancy - whether fixed term, statutory periodic, or contractual periodic - remains in place and the new owner becomes your new landlord. If either the current or new owner want to force you out they have to go through the eviction process, the new owner doesn't get any "shortcuts". (There are Section 8 grounds they can use, but the relevant ones have the same notice requirements as Section 21 does).

If the new owner wants to raise the rent they have to go through the same procedures as usual. You do not have to sign a new tenancy agreement even if the new owner wants you to, so watch out for them offering an agreement with either higher rent or any other changes to the terms.

You don't have to accept viewings if you don't want to. Refusing may breach your tenancy agreement but the landlord or the letting agent still isn't allowed to walk in without your permission or a court order.

Whatisthisfuckery · 24/08/2020 21:50

Refusing viewings is not a breach of tenancy terms. it may well be written into your contract that you must allow viewings but that is likely to be specified as in the last month or two before you vacate, and even then it’s not legally enforceable as it doesn’t override your right to quiet enjoyment. it may however create bad feeling and go against you further down the line.

Just carry on as you are OP. If a buyer is found it won’t affect your rights as a tenant. Do however read up on how to challenge a rent rise.

Even if you were served sec 21 tomorrow the notice would be for 6 months, and even after the notice period expires there’ll be a massive backlog in the courts and it’s likely to be another year at least before court proceedings are complete.

If you’re happy to stay where you are then just carry on living there and paying your rent as normal. If however you’re a bit worried then I suggest you start looking for somewhere else, although there’s no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to private renting.

I sympathise OP. I was told when I signed my tenancy renewal a couple of years ago that my LL would be selling at the end of the 12 month fixed term and it was horribly stressful. I was served sec 21 3 months before the end of the term but fortunately managed to find somewhere else to live although I had to stay on an extra month with the LL’s agreement, not that there was much he could have done about it.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Property legal advice
Original poster
VelveteenBunni · 21/09/2020 14:08

I allowed 1 viewing, the people who came werent wearing masks properly (under noses) we tried to keep out of way but the lady kept walking up to me to ask questions.

Letting agent has phoned again today, and asked to book another, i said no on grounds of mental health, hes saying i have to allow it its in my terms and conditions (i checked, it says not unreasonably withheld, i dont find mental health to be unreasonable) telling me to go to doctor and get a 'medical report'

please tell me i am not being unreasonable, hes now said he will have to go back to landlord and he will probably look to serve notice, told them to go for it because the stuff we have been put through while here has been bloody awful, and im sure the reason my mental health is worse is because of all of it.

OP posts:
sirfredfredgeorge · 21/09/2020 14:47

now said he will have to go back to landlord and he will probably look to serve notice

Very possibly he will but if he needs the money such that he's selling now, guaranteeing no viewings for at least 6 months is not going to help him do that.

You do not have to accept viewings.

tofuschnitzel · 21/09/2020 14:52

I would recommend that you give Shelter a call to discuss your tenancy agreement and viewings.

tectonicplates · 21/09/2020 14:53

No, you're not being unreasonable.

Legally you are not required to let anyone into your home, even if it says so on the tenancy agreement. The problem is that if you say no, they might just give you notice to leave instead.

If you do end up letting someone in, you are absolutely within your rights to insist people wear a mask. Our landlady was trying to sell our flat last year and although we did let people in for viewings, I was very insistent that the agent phoned me directly before every viewing and observed the rules of my house. You can absolutely say "All viewers must wear a mask properly over their mouth and nose. This is non-negotiable". You can also tell them not come back at all. Don't be intimidated by dodgy agents.

Sugar00 · 21/09/2020 15:05

Your contract can’t override the law. It doesn’t matter what your contract says, you do not have to allow viewings!

Original poster
VelveteenBunni · 21/09/2020 15:11

Thank you for replying. I knew I was right in thinking I did not have to accept viewings. Thanks for confirming.

OP posts:
Original poster
VelveteenBunni · 22/09/2020 21:53

After the last viewing, I had a panic attack. We mentioned this in the reply to the email we had warning us we were in breach of contract.

They responded again today saying they didn't know what the correlation was between my panic attack and viewings. They also stated that they would 'take our word for it' and the landlord is considering next steps. They also then mentioned they had retrieved the keys from previous agent (we used to be with a differnt agent, landlord changed it)

Theyre going to try and walk in anyway aren't they?! Why else mention the keys like that.

OP posts:
Original poster
VelveteenBunni · 23/09/2020 08:25

Anyone? I'm really anxious about this latest development (obviously have anxiety anyway, hence the panic attack, but still)

OP posts:
Marisishidinginmyattic · 23/09/2020 08:28

It does sound like they are trying to intimidate you with the mention of keys and I agree that they are going to try and come in.

Change the barrels in all your locks as soon as you can. You are allowed to do that as long as you keep the originals safe for when the tenancy ends. I had to do the same thing one of the times I rented because they kept sending repairmen to the wrong property with keys who tried to get in. The relief afterwards knowing they can’t just walk in is amazing.

Marisishidinginmyattic · 23/09/2020 08:29

Oh, and you don’t have to tell them you are changing the locks. They won’t know unless they try to get in and if they mention it, at that point you’ll know they did try to get in if they makes sense.

Original poster
VelveteenBunni · 23/09/2020 08:30

I was thinking for now, to just lock door and leave key in the door? That could work. God I hate that I am being made to feel this way.

OP posts:
MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 23/09/2020 08:32

Definitely speak to shelter and maybe have a look at your legal rights so that you can quote chapter and verse back at them. I would also tel them in the email that if they access your home with or without keys, that they will be entering your home illegally and you will phone the police and report them for trespass

Original poster
VelveteenBunni · 23/09/2020 13:35

We have sent a polite but firm email explaining the anxiety causing the panic attack (shouldn't have to do this but hey ho)

We have also politely stated that it is illegal for a landlord (or agent) to enter our property without our permission.

I bloody do hope the landlord serves us the notice. I can't take much more of this.

OP posts:
LyingDogsLie1 · 23/09/2020 13:38

Why are you concerned re a new landlord? Surely being served notice is just creating more hassle?

Marisishidinginmyattic · 23/09/2020 14:06

Surely being served notice is just creating more hassle?

If the landlord makes OP homeless, she will get more support than if she chooses to end the tenancy herself. It's a horrible situation to be in when you have a shitty landlord and no alternative.

Babyroobs · 23/09/2020 14:27

@LyingDogsLie1

Why are you concerned re a new landlord? Surely being served notice is just creating more hassle?
Agree with this. Surely it's in your best interests to allow viewers ? Your landlord may get a quick sale and you can stay where you are meaning the least hassle for everyone ? Could you go out whilst viewers are there assuming they are accompanied by an estate agent ?
Devlesko · 23/09/2020 14:32

Let him give notice then, but don't allow anyone in, you don't have to.
Chances aren't always great for selling with a tenant anyway.
Most people want to buy a house to live in as their home.

Original poster
VelveteenBunni · 23/09/2020 14:47

This house is a shit hole. Every repair I've asked for has taken ages and been a patch job at best. My mental health has taken a serious beating and I want out soon as possible. Is that okay with you? Even if new landlord it would still be the same arsehole letting agents.

We have now officially been served notice. Im scared but actually a tiny bit relieved. Letting agent told me we have lost the landlord a sale but quite frankly after how we have been treated I'm not all that bothered.

OP posts:
Butterer · 23/09/2020 14:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LyingDogsLie1 · 23/09/2020 16:16

You have no idea if it would be the same agents. Honestly I think you’ve made a stress for yourself where there needn’t be one.

I have just sold a property with a tenant in situ and have done before - the tenant just gets notice of who to contact/pay rent to next.

If you wanted to leave anyway why get into a fight about it.

Original poster
VelveteenBunni · 23/09/2020 16:44

Okay @lyingdog you have made your point. I think the letting agents could have been kinder. Instead they have been nasty and resorted to threats. It doesn't matter. Notice is now served.

Thanks to all who gave advice.

OP posts:
CrypticQueen · 23/09/2020 17:01

Why are you concerned re a new landlord? Surely being served notice is just creating more hassle? This. Why does everyone always get all militant on landlord threads. Landlord owns the property (which OP describes as a shit hole), s/he wants to sell. It happens. Surely being obstructive is just more stressful. You have time to look round for a non-shithole, or maybe new buyers do repairs and keep you on. But if I was buying and existing tenant was arsey about reasonable access, I’d not want the ballache of them as a tenant TBH. Seems self-defeating ...