UK Landlord Forum / Life

From the very first day we rented the property there were problems. We were pushed and rushed into signing the contract to meet the letting agency target for moving. When we received they keys we refused to move in as the cleanliness of the property was poorly and it was just at the beginning of the first lockdown.
Several other issues aroused in the following months: windows causing draft, leaking water inside the house when raining from the frame of windows, roof problems on one part of the property ( we had rain looting through the electrical path in the cealing), found black mold in all bedrooms that was covered with wallpaper and paint. Toilet used a saniflo pump, we were left with stinking overflowing toilet 3 weeks till they decided to call an expert to remove the dirt. Took 3 more weeks to actually change the pump. Luckily we had a second w.c. to use. But the faulty one was in the shower room and it made shower use impossible to bear.

After 6 months of tenancy we received a request to increase the price of rent. Again felt like we were pushed and rushed to accept or deny the increase. We agreed. At the beginning of the 2nd year of tenancy we started paying the increased rent.
Never been late with any bills or rent. We even tried to do our part in improving the property by painting, and do some small repairs.
As soon as the eviction notice shorten due to relaxation of Covid rules we received Section 21.
Our first impression was that maybe the estate agent that owns the property wanted to sell.
They have just listed the property on an increased rent.
We offered the pay the asking price and for us to be allowed to remain. We are a nice family, never caused nuisance or had parties in the property. They absolutely refused us.
My question is if I don't move out by the end of Section 21 term date, do I risk to be forcely evicted?
I have 2 children with special educational needs, moving houses is a nightmare for them but I don't want to expose then to even more stress. I couldn't find an affordable property yet, otherwise I would have moved by now.
Many thanks for any advice.

Quote from: Niko on September 15, 2021, 04:49:59 PMMy question is if I don't move out by the end of Section 21 term date, do I risk to be forcely evicted?

Absolutely. This is what a Section 21 is. However, it would not be on the day the Section 21 expires... the process can be quite long and drawn-out. However, I would never advise anyone to hold on and try to stay somewhere they're obviously not wanted. I would put your efforts into finding somewhere else suitable, rather than extend your stay for as long as possible. That is likely to introduce stress for everyone involved. If the property is like you say, I would be happy to let the Landlord / Agent try to let it to someone else for the higher price. They may get lucky, they may find they have some trouble.

You seem to regret moving there,saying you were rushed into it.Likewise you felt pressured to agree to the raised rent,and list a lot of complaints about the property.It does not sound like a nice place to live  I understand moving won't be easy,but you really don't want to hang on until you get put out on the street.Have you approached the council or a housing association? If your children have disabilities you may get some assistance. If the landlord  sees you are trying to find somewhere,he may allow you a little extra time if you explain your situation.   

From what I understand that if you leave the property and have no where to live,  you have made yourself homeless.
Always pay the rent. You have 30 days to pay off a ccj you could always question the cost with the judge.

Quote from: Neil277 on October 17, 2021, 03:28:33 PM
From what I understand that if you leave the property and have no where to live,  you have made yourself homeless.
Always pay the rent. You have 30 days to pay off a ccj you could always question the cost with the judge.

This is what council told me as well, if you in a situation where you feel you might need to be housed, then never vacate a property until a bailiff kicks you out, otherwise its intentional homeless and doesnt qualify for housing help.