UK Landlord Forum / Life

I rented a flat in April this year. The contract is for one year. 2 weeks later, we got a letter from the agency telling us that the landlord wants to sell the flat. He said we can stay till the end of the contract, but he won't renew it. Yesterday we got another letter. The landlord is happy to pay moving costs compensation if we move earlier. I would love to move out, because this situation is quite stressful. I don't know where I can find out how much compensation I can get. And there is another problem. I've already taken lots of days off from work to see properties and to move here. Now I have to start all over again. It is not only about money, it is about time as well. I don't want to have 2 months notice if I tell them I agree to move earlier. It is legal to ask them to be flexible and give me 2 weeks, let's say, if I find something I like without charging me or 3 months if I don't? I already bought tickets to go on a holiday and tickets to go back to my country for 2 weeks. So I've already planed my money and my time. They are only causing troubles to me. Selling the flat is not a decision that you take it in 2 weeks.  I'm sure they were planning to sell the flat when we moved in. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much.

First of all, let's ensure we're all on the same page...

You signed a fixed term agreement in April 2015 (let's say the 10th of April, for sake of argument) that runs until 9th April 2016. That is your fixed term.

You cannot be forced to leave before 9th April 2016... whether your Landlord sells the property or not. It's a fixed term that you have. It's not 100% clear from your entry whether you fully understand that because you imply it's causing you lots of stress etc.. There is no reason for any stress... you have the same fixed term as you always had... and if your Landlord sells the property he'll need to sell it to another Landlord and that Landlord will "step into the current Landlord's shoes".

With the offer of moving costs, the current Landlord is trying to help his own situation by providing you with an incentive. But you don't have to take this at all.

You don't have to take any more days off work, you don't have to start viewing other properties - you can choose to stay where you are for almost another year.

If you would be happy to move out earlier, then negotiate - politely but firmly - and try to get something that is worth your while. I don't think moving costs would cut it for me... maybe moving costs and the first month of rent paid on your new place might be interesting, who knows what works for you - the fact of the matter is that you are in the driving seat.

The Landlord might well have been trying to sell the flat prior to you moving in. It's not an issue for you though. I re-iterate - you have a fixed term of 1 year from April 2015 to April 2016.

I agree with hippo.

I would look at this as an opportunity.

Look at new places on your day off.

If you find something say you can move in, in a couple of weeks, that will make you more attractive as a tenant.

When it suits you speak to the landlord, suggest that you can move out in 2 weeks, but need double your deposit back, as the wonderful new place you have found is only available now, and at a higher rent/deposit, and it's unlikely you'll find somewhere like it again, until next April.

You have to live somewhere, finding this takes effort, you get no guarantees when renting it's going to be for a time frame that suits you, so stop making excuses and feeling a bit sorry for yourself and make the most of your opportunity.

OPW?

Moaning tenant who expects the benefits of house ownership with rent money?

Probably expected us to find her new flat for them.

Is there any problem? Couse I don't get it.
I told to the landlord what was the moving cost in April when I moved here, assuming that I will find something similar,  and I asked him to tell me what is his offer so I can think about it and decide if is valuable or not. I'm waiting for his answer. I wanted to come back to you with an answer. There is nothing new. But thank you for your help.
Perhaps I should negotiate and move to a new place in 3 days. Otherwise, according to you, I am moaning tenant which makes excuses and feels sorry for herself and which is waiting for the landlord to find her a new flat. And BTW, I took it as an opportunity that's why I asked for an advice. I could just stay here few months. I don't want any benefits. I want a place where to live. If I wanted benefits I could just apply for benefits.
But I'm on the landlord forum. I'm on the wrong side.

The forum doesn't like posters who ask a question, receive some answers and then disappear. It's just common courtesy to acknowledge the responses given. We thought you were an OPW... a One Post Wonder. Now you have 2 posts.

Is it irony that the reply about moaning is moaning?