UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi,
Hope someone can help!
I recently purchased a B2L property. The previous landlord had a fully managed guaranteed rent agreement with an estate agent. The estate agent sublet the property to local councils as local emergency housing. The tenants are licensees of the council and do not have an AST.
The previous owner/ landlord asked if I could keep the existing tenant in-situ so he could get rental income until completion.
All good so far.
BUT after a few weeks of owning the property I've realised the agent is not looking after the property- so I want to get rid of the agent. I've spoken to the tenant and they would like to stay if possible.
I've given the agent (who BTW is also the agent who sold the property to me), three months notice for vacant possession.
In the mean time I've invoiced them for the 1st months rent which they have paid me.
The agent has now told me that I can't give them 3 months notice, and they are trying to stick with the 12 month contract from the previous landlord :-/
So I have no written contract with the agent OR the council OR the tenant! I certain made no agreement to honour the previous landlords contract as part of the purchase.
The best outcome for me is to get rid of the agent and sign an AST directly with the tenant.

So- because I have no contract with the agent, I presume I can stop invoicing them after 3 months (or immediately) and then just move to an AST with the existing tenant (subject to council approval).
Is the agent trying to pull a fast one so they can keep claiming there admin fees on the property?

Yes.

They are.

I suspect the best way is to speak to the council, and get the rent redirected to you as soon as possible.

Have a meeting with this to discuss continuing the arrangements ( whether you intend to or not ) to get them on your side and get this bit of admin done.

Good Luck