Been given my notice on my nice rental flat - gutted.

[JandLandG]

Quick query here, really, please if anyone has expert/specialist knowledge or experience.

Have been in this great flat for about 18 months.

Dealing directly with the landlords (elderly couple) and we'd both said we'd wanted to have a long-term arrangement.

Last time we'd mentioned this was a few months ago - now they've just given me my notice out of the blue.

Apparently their daughter's coming back to the UK and wants to live in it.

If true, I assume this is a legitimate reason to give me notice? Can anyone with experience or legal/specialist knowledge clarify, pls?

The last time we spoke - a few weeks ago - was about the new Renters' Rights; they gave me the paperwork, but it all seemed irrelevant to me.

Is there anything in there that can save me?

I'm assuming they're genuine and that their daughter is really coming back...although...

There has been a slight issue with parking that a couple of the neighbours don't like. (Parking in my allocated spot, but the neighbours didn't think it was right. I get on with all the other neighbours really well.)

I know they've moaned to the landlords.

Could this be anything to do with it ?

If so, I don't think it's a legitimate reason to turf me out. They've given me 4 months notice.

Landlords are very trustworthy tbh, very straight and honest - although, obviously they're in it for the money, not to make sure things re nice for me.

Any thoughts/experience?

I'd be very grateful.

The landlord or close family moving into the property is one of the reasons a no fault eviction is still allowed under the new Renter's Right bill. Whether it's true or not, that will be their reason they'll give you and they'll be sticking with it. I'd be very suspicious though. How convenient that she's suddenly 'moving back to the UK' and they're able to do this to their tenant without any recourse. If you don't have anywhere to go, just keep paying rent and sit tight in your home. Do not, under any circumstances, make yourself homeless just because they've served you notice. They're not bailiffs and they can't actually evict you.

Yes this is one of the permitted reasons and four months is the correct minimum notice period. They can't evict you at this point though - they will have to go to court to get the correct warrants.
You may want them to give you a nice reference though so if you are in a position to find another place it may be in your interests to leave willingly.
If you will need homeless help from your local council then stay put and wait for the court process to play out.

If you want a reference don't piss them off. Are you thinking the council might help? Round here that would be a god awful b&b, in some cases for years.

Frustrating for you, but this is one of the downsides to renting, and fair enough they want it for their daughter. Assume you can find another rental within that time, and you can give 2 months notice to terminate contract if you find something sooner.

Ok, thanks everyone - very much appreciated.

Just as I thought, tbh - if it's true about their daughter, then fair enough, I suppose.

If, however, it isn't true...how do I subtly remind them that they can't just rent out the place again after I've left?

Hmmm

I only want to be here for 18 more months tbh, but this has pissed me off.

Plus, it's come at a bad time - I'm ultra busy/away/on hols til sept...I haven't really got time to look and sort somewhere else, although I am fortunate enough to be able to sort something in terms of money etc.

Just annoying...especially as we'd both been praising each other for how happy we were with the situation...

Anyway, my main worry would be that one of the old neighbours has been moaning to them about nothing again (the landlords do seem very keen not to piss them of - maybe as you would expect)...but, I don't think so...