Is my landlord planning on selling?

[nerfqueen]

I have been privately renting for about 10 yrs. About 2 months ago the landlord sent out 2 estate agents to value the property. He owns about 70 houses and he had asked for about 10 to be valued and then sold 2 of these. A month later the landlord visited 'to have a look round'.

Today I have received a message asking if someone can come round to do an energy performance certificate. Does this sound as though my landlord is planning to sell up? Why else would he need this certificate?

Needs to have one by law does he not? We got one from our previous landlord when we applied for insulation etc

Yes you legally have to have an epc in order to sell so I would assume he is preparing to sell.

EPCs are valid for 10 years, so it may be that your landlord is renewing it because the old one is now 10 years old.

Yes it sounds like he is planning to sell. What type of tenancy agreement do you have?

I think it's 10 years next Feb we have been here so maybe it does just need renewing. However, after having the house valued and now this it makes me wonder about his plans. He has to give us 2 months notice to move out.

70 houses

It is illegal to rent the place without an epc. Do you have a current one? Is it about to expire?

The question is in two parts.

1. If an EPC has not been done for 10 years, the LL has a legal obligation to renew it. No need to read anything into that. A good agent would have reminded him.

1. Does the LL want to sell. Possibly. Being a landlord is becoming harder work, returns are falling, and the future is uncertain. I would expect several landlords with large portfolios might sell some of their stock to reduce their borrowing and work load. Indeed the thought has occurred to me. However I would probably wait till there was a void, as good tenants who stay for 10 years are like gold dust. There may be some chance that he might sell to another LL, who would be happy to keep you on. However, and to some extent as a result of government policy, there are more FTBs around than BTL investors. If you get on with him there would be no harm in asking about his future plans. He may agree to start marketing with you in situ, as many investment buyers would like an immediate and guaranteed income.

I'd say it sounds like he is at least considering selling.