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landlord showing potential buyers around, but i haven't received notice

Started by pirate-pants, December 13, 2013, 01:07:49 PM

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pirate-pants

hey everyone,
i'm concerned and annoyed, my landlord owns a private 3 story block of apartments, and is selling a few off individually, including the apartment i live in. i was given first refusal and was told that even if i didn't buy it, id still be able to stay in my home. but recently agents have been giving me little to no notice over voice mail stating days and times potential buys would be viewing, and if i was unavailable, they would use master keys to gain access.

my landlord has not given me a date to move out, nor have i requested to end my tenencey agreement, surely hes not allowed to show my home off to buyers whilst im still in a legal tenencey and have no intention of moving? please any advice welcome, ive honestly had enough, its like they are bringing people into my home to make me want to leave.

HELP! 

boboff

No it's no that at all mate.

They want to sell the place with you in it and paying rent. That is what makes it an investment for the buyer.

If the property sells with you in it, the new owner will have to abide by the agreement that is in place. Even if you had a 30 year tenancy, they bought it knowing this and have to follow the law to get shot of you, but chances are based on what you have said, they will not want too.

The Landlord and Agent have to be "reasonable" Give you notice and do it during "social" hours, and listen if you object to a particular date and time.

Don't worry about it too much, and think of it as a way of motivating you to keep up to date with the cleaning!

Riptide

Firstly, have you been given notice to leave and are you coming to the end of your tenancy agreement?

What does your contract say about access in these situations?

At the end of the day, it's your house/flat.  You are legally entitled to change the locks on the door if you wish. 

If you don't have an obligation to show people around and you don't want people in your property I'd be inclined to politely say no and change the locks aswell.

pirate-pants

thank-you for your reply's

I've been given no notice to leave and my tenencey doesn't end until march 2014

it says 24 hours written notice for all visits from landlord, but the people that are coming to look at my home, are not investers, they are people wanting to buy and move in.

pirate-pants

also, the apartment directly below mine is also for sale, same lay out, and empty.. surely ity would be less hassle to show them that one if they are just investors instead of disrupting my living?

Riptide

You obviously feel like they are harassing you.  You are entitled to live in the property without being unnecessarily disturbed.  You want the viewings stopped, tell them to stop the viewings.  It's your house at the end of the day.  They can't force you to allow access.

Beachhut

The landlord (or agent) should give you 24 hr notice to enter your home. (read your AST to confirm)
Think about this: As an investor interested in purchasing your property I would take note of your reluctant attitude to allowing access for viewing - and as for changing locks - - the minute I purchase your apartment I would give you correct notice to leave - no landlord wants shirty tenants.
having said that, I agree the agents or landlord should REQUEST permission to enter if you are unable to be there - but as a matter of principle I always ask a) if you would prefer to be there when we visit, and b) what times/days would you be able to be there when we visit.
You (Mr tenant) and your landlord should respect each others lives and agree to compromise in any situation such as this.
So threatening to change locks (in my opinion) is not a positive action, and the landlord (or agent) should enter discussion with you about the correct facts of the sale, and viewing rights. Two wrongs do not make a right - maybe you should make the first correct move and avoid stalemate and aggravation.
Good luck - I hope you stay in your home and have a good relationship with your future landlord. :)

boboff