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Verbal tenancy agreement landlord died what is tenants position ?

Started by settscouk, June 01, 2013, 06:33:59 PM

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settscouk

Advice required, tenancy in Scotland, tenant took a verbal lease/contract twelve years ago to rent a house with yard on the understanding that it was to be indefinite or a lifetime rent, for the past twelve years landlord and tenant got along well, nothing was ever put into writing. Tenant also runs a business from the premises, at year six tenants spouse became joint tenants, spouse on disability benefits, house was adapted to suit recently. Rent level fair and tenants comfortable. Recently landlord died and tenants were notified that estate of landlord is being wound up tenants asked to vacate property while updating work is done and to re-occupy on same level of rent but entering into a new lease (I assume a short-assured tenancy). Two years ago the tenants were promised no rent increase for five years. Recently original tenants spouse was presented with a document to sign, duly signed no copy was given apparently it was a lease but procedures were not followed, mitigating circumstances will void the signing anyway.
Any advice please for the tenants please ?
•   Are the tenants life renters/sitting tenants/regulated tenants ?
•   Should the tenants stay put and resist moving out for renovations/assessment of building and certificates to be done ?
•   Has the original verbal contract died with the original landlord ?
•   The original verbal agreement may have been with the landlord personally or with their Ltd Company, which is it best to argue for  (from the tenants point of view) ?
Any case law along similar lines ?