I hope I've posted this in the right place. I'm a regular reader of mumsnet and come here to look for help and advice on practically everything but never had the nerve to post anything before
I'm at my wits end and really hope that someone here will be able to offer some help or advice.
We have a farm business tenancy that we've had for 6 yrs, the tenancy agreement is for 10 yrs and we have a 12 month break clause if we wish to leave before the end of the 10 yr term.
Four weeks ago last Monday we noticed an auction sign for the property had been put up on our farm gate, we assumed that the sign had been put on the wrong property by mistake and I rang the auction company to explain this. I was informed by the auction company that they had put the sign on the right property and the auction was to be held in 3 weeks time.
I was totally horrified and immediately contacted the council (the owners of the farm) to ask for clarification. I got passed from pillar to post and eventually managed to speak to someone in corporate services who confirmed the farm was going up for auction. I asked why we had not been notified of this and that the first thing we knew about it was the erection of the auction sign and was told that a letter had been posted out to us on Friday.
I asked what our position would be regarding our tenancy agreement and was told that our agreement would continue until the end of the 10 yr term and that the farm was to be sold on that understanding.
We kept everything crossed, prayed and hoped that everything would be ok and the day after the auction we contacted the auction company to ask if the property had sold. Bearing in mind we had still not received any notification or any letter in any form or shape from the council 3 weeks after we had been informed a letter had been sent out to us and still haven't.
The auction company informed us that the reserve had not been met and our farm was unsold. We breathed a sigh of relief and thought we would be ok. Sadly, on Wednesday I received a call from the auction company asking to make arrangements for some viewings around our house, farm buildings and land. I've put them off as I'm not sure of my legal rights and whether I do have to allow strangers to roam around my home when I don't want them to.
This is the home of my dh, 5 dc and myself and I really don't want all and sundry wandering round poking about, disturbing our stock. We've got sheep due to lamb soon, geese sitting which are very agreesive when disturbed etc etc and I think this is really really unfair. I just don't know what to do, all this worry is having a terrible effect on us. We, like everyone else are struggling finacially and this added upset is just making things worse. I'm now afraid that we may get told we have to leave or that if someone does buy the farm they will increase the rent to such an extent that we can no longer afford to pay and be forced out that way.
What then happens to my family & stock?? Please, please does any one know what my rights are? am I obliged to allow people just to come round to view and will we lose our home? The council have been less than useless, we've still had nothing from them in writing and no one really sees to know what's going on and I'm getting more and more desperate.
Thank you for reading and I really hope someone can help.
Ally xxx