Our landlord wants to sell! :( what's the rules?

[ghostcake]

Hi all,
Yes, still renting, for my sins!!
Single mum, two kids & we love our home. Landlord wants to sell to buy a place in another part of the U.K. they want it 'sorted asap'
I've googled a lot today (feeling really sad) and it looks like they have to give us 6 months notice from when written notice is given? Does anyone know if this is definitely right? Even if they're selling? And then if it goes on the market & someone buys it they'd get 'sitting tenants' aka US? 🧐

@CountessFrog Wow.

@VanCleefArpels don’t you mention if they paid on time and maintained the place? Only stating that they lived there for x time is like a very careful work reference where you confirm the employee worked there but you have nothing positive to say!

@Shizzlestix yes because of issues about potential libel - same reason why work references are so brief!

Hi again all you lovely helpful people,
So here's an update; I agreed to Landlord getting the house valued yesterday & the estate agent came round first thing & said she thought we were moving out imminently? I said that the law changed to 6 months notice period & we haven't been served the section 21 yet & she said 'oh yes, I heard about that change in the law' & then said they probably won't consider putting it on the market then as no buyer will want to wait for 6 months. She said it's likely other estate agents won't care if we are living there or not, but in her opinion, us being here will make it very hard to sell.
I mean, I don't want to make things difficult for anyone but also don't want to rush to find the first thing for the kids & me when I can legally take my time, right? It's all so surreal.

Do you need his reference op? Because that’s where it becomes difficult, the relationship sours, he will advice future landlords not to rent to you, and they won’t.

No one should own someone's home as an investment

I think you mean no one should be able to rent someone’s property and live there. I don’t agree with you but would love to know where you think the millions of people will actually live?

@Bluntness100 We have been fantastic tenants & we are not doing anything wrong so why would we not get a reference?

@Bluntness100
No one should own someone's home as an investment

Where did that come from in the thread?

Oh just ignore Bluntness.

Op. It’s a copy paste from a comment a pp made further up, you need to read the thread.

I agree you deserve a reference, I’m just pointing out that if you make it difficult for a landlord to sell, no matter how great a tenant you were or how within your legal rights, many of them will mess with you back. There is nothing more likely to sour a relationship than this.

It’s shit but there it is.

Take your time op. 6 months notice and we’re in a pandemic so these are not normal times. If you haven’t found somewhere by then landlord will have to apply to court and the backlog will be many many months before a date is given. You’ve got plenty of time. Find the right place for you and don’t be bullied.

@Bluntness100 I have read the thread lots as it's full of brilliant, helpful advice and support. I don't remember seeing that, but will have another trawl.

@Bluntness100 don't think I'm the one that's making it difficult to sell. The change in the law & lack of section 21 means that right now I'm doing nothing wrong at all. Just trying to have a quiet life.

@tootyfruitypickle thanks, it's so nice to read your words. It's all making me quite anxious so it's good to be reminded that I'm not being unreasonable.

Not at all. It’s your home. Always remember that .

I agree op, and I think you just need to remind them of the law. I also am fully on your side here

However as he’s trying to put it on thr market now, and telling rhe agent you’re leaving imminently and that he wants it done quickly this does not sound like someone who wishes to abide by the law and wait six months, yes he has to, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to take it well or play nicely and it would be remiss not to point that out. Because there are far too many stories of landlords being cunty when faced with this scenario.

So it’s not an accusation against you, it’s a warning, that not all people play nicely.

Hi all,
If any of you housing whizzes who commented previously are reading this, I think I need a bit of housing reassurance...
I still haven't received the section 21 🤯 & I'm wondering what to do. Also I saw something in my periodic tenancy agreement about something called a mutual break clause. Should that concern me? The 6 months notice is still applied ?? We have lived here 2 years.
Thanks to anyone who can help!

If your landlord still hasn't issued the section 21 notice, then you just have more time the more they delay issuing it, as the 6 months obviously won't start until they do.

As for the break clause, it's unlikely that the landlord will be able to end your tenancy that easily, but if you want reassurance, you'd need someone to check the wording of it. Could you post it here (either type it out or upload a photo of it)? If not you could contact shelter or citizens advice and send them a scan or photo of your tenancy agreement so they can check it for you.

@AnotherEmma thanks so much for your reply. Here's the bit from the tenancy agreement

Thanks, no your landlord can't end the tenancy using that break clause, it's not enforceable.

See section "Activation by landlord" on this page:
england.shelter.org.uk/legal/security_of_tenure/notices/break_clauses

@AnotherEmma that's so good to know. Just had a massive wobble. Thank you so much for taking the time to help.
Was feeling quite ok about everything & then this eve I just feel so anxious.

The law does protect you so there's no need to panic although I understand it's stressful to think you could lose your home

Ghostcake how are you getting on , we are going through the same right now . House has been on the market 5 weeks . We've still not been served any notice and had no viewings ?
We have given them a window each week for 2 hours where we will vacate the property for them to do viewings but nothing as yet .
Tbh I don't understand why they haven't served us notice as it could be extended further yet . It states 6 months notice until at least March 31st .
I also don't understand why they have bothered to market it at all ?

@Bedsheets4knickers just saw your post. Hope you're ok. Such a weird & unsettling time isn't it? Yes, S21 document yet to be served. Not sure what will happen. Total pits.