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Original poster

Landlord selling my flat... handhold please!

12 replies

cousinelfine · 18/06/2023 16:44

As per title, I've moved on average every 2 years (slightly more than that, probably) in the past decade, and am feeling extremely stressed by this news. Partly the cost of moving, including lots of furniture, partly the horrible process of packing all my belongings up yet again.

Landlord has said they're not expecting to sell before autumn, but looking at my contract (which is now monthly rolling) they can give me 2 months' notice at any time. Also they have asked if I can let estate agents in to take photos/conduct viewings. They have been perfectly decent to me, so I don't want to spoil their chances of selling, but obviously I have mixed feelings about doing this for them!

The flat is a 1bed, unfurnished flat in SE London. Paying a bit under market rent, probably (c1300). I don't think I'm going to be able to find anything affordable nearby, and even this is a big stretch for me financially, so I will likely have to move further out... needs to be somewhat commutable to Victoria or Waterloo (2x a week office attendance).

My BF is going to be looking to move around the same time, but has not made the suggestion that we look together.

Could anyone help with 1. how to play this with my landlord (be nice, in the hope that dates can be made flexible?) and 2. places I might be able to afford to live?

OP posts:
CC4712 · 18/06/2023 16:50

Why don't YOU suggest to the BF that you get a place together? How long have you been together? Surely you just keep communications with the LL open and honest. Can you afford to buy it? Do you know why they need to sell? Sounds like the LL has been open so far and giving you lots of notice. If you have been paying under market rate, what have you saved so far?

I can't help with neighborhoods, but check on the most direct routes to where you work or need to get to often. Maybe a few stops farther out and check those areas on rightmove etc.

booksandbrooks · 18/06/2023 16:54

Selling a flat with a tenant in is tricked for the owner and a massive turn off for a potential buyer/

The two months notice is to start eviction proceedings so if you can't find anywhere sit tight. They can't actually get you out quickly and if you vacate to be nice you'll be classed as making yourself intentionally homeless and get much less help. It's a shame the only way to protect yourself is to do it this way but that's the way it is.

You may wish to join acorn tenants union or contact them for advice.
Also shelter have a helpline. Citizens Advice Bureau too.

Original poster
cousinelfine · 18/06/2023 17:01

CC4712 · 18/06/2023 16:50

Why don't YOU suggest to the BF that you get a place together? How long have you been together? Surely you just keep communications with the LL open and honest. Can you afford to buy it? Do you know why they need to sell? Sounds like the LL has been open so far and giving you lots of notice. If you have been paying under market rate, what have you saved so far?

I can't help with neighborhoods, but check on the most direct routes to where you work or need to get to often. Maybe a few stops farther out and check those areas on rightmove etc.

I think that if he's not offered himself, it's a no. Perhaps I will mention it casually, but I'm 99% sure he won't be up for it. We've only been together a year.

I cannot afford to buy, sadly, and any savings have been eaten up by increased energy bills etc. I have about 3 months' salary saved, that's it. I think LL is concerned about mortgage payments going up, which is fair enough. I get the sense they might also want to free up some capital, but not totally sure.

OP posts:
Original poster
cousinelfine · 18/06/2023 17:10

booksandbrooks · 18/06/2023 16:54

Selling a flat with a tenant in is tricked for the owner and a massive turn off for a potential buyer/

The two months notice is to start eviction proceedings so if you can't find anywhere sit tight. They can't actually get you out quickly and if you vacate to be nice you'll be classed as making yourself intentionally homeless and get much less help. It's a shame the only way to protect yourself is to do it this way but that's the way it is.

You may wish to join acorn tenants union or contact them for advice.
Also shelter have a helpline. Citizens Advice Bureau too.

Thank you, that's really helpful... I don't want to be a PIA (as I said, LL has been totally fine which is pretty rare, sadly, and I want to be a good tenant) but is useful to know they can't turf me out if I really can't find anywhere in time.

OP posts:
Magnoliainbloom · 18/06/2023 17:17

I’ve been looking to buy and wouldn’t touch one with a tenant in. Unless your LL gives you notice, he may find it will take longer to sell with you in it unless attractively priced.

Dinkler · 18/06/2023 17:47

Why does your BF have to mention it; ask him?

KievLoverTwo · 18/06/2023 18:06

In the current market, if it's slow where you live, it's possible that your LL may sell to another BTL LL 'with reliable tenant in situ', so don't lose all hope just yet.

rwalker · 18/06/2023 18:13

No advice on BF but with
LL offer to have viewings in return for flexibility around notice period

Twiglets1 · 18/06/2023 18:28

If you do agree to viewings (which of course you don’t have to), remember that you can stipulate the days/times that are convenient for you. You could specify one day at the weekend for example or one day & one evening mid week.

Overthebow · 18/06/2023 18:33

If you only need to be in the office twice a week there’s loads of more affordable places to rent a one bed flat. Wokingham, Bracknell or Basingstoke all go to Waterloo and you’d be looking at £1000 or less a month.

Caffeineislife · 18/06/2023 18:33

I'd speak to the landlord about your situation. Explain that you want to be a decent tenant but in the current climate you are worried about finding somewhere. They might know someone (they often have a mate/ relative) who has a property that will be empty shortly or currently empty.

They may also be able to speak to the estate agent who is selling the property and get you top of their list for properties coming in to rent in your budget that are coming on - my friends landlord did this. I would negotiate allowing pictures and estate agents in for been able to surrender the tenancy early without penalty if you can find somewhere sooner or a bit of flex with moving dates.

If you have been a good tenant, no arrears, no asb problems then you should have a good reference and be easy to move. Things get complicated when UC, pets and DC are involved but a landlord motivated to sell and is onside will help. Although the advice from shelter and citizens advice is to sit tight and wait for eviction this can harm your chances at another private rent.

fdgdfgdfgdfg · 18/06/2023 18:34

cousinelfine · 18/06/2023 17:01

I think that if he's not offered himself, it's a no. Perhaps I will mention it casually, but I'm 99% sure he won't be up for it. We've only been together a year.

I cannot afford to buy, sadly, and any savings have been eaten up by increased energy bills etc. I have about 3 months' salary saved, that's it. I think LL is concerned about mortgage payments going up, which is fair enough. I get the sense they might also want to free up some capital, but not totally sure.

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Maybe he's sat there thinking "Well she's not offered, so it's a no"

Stop being a wuss and ask him.

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