My Landlord wishes to sell property

[rinefitz]

Hi my landlord wishes to sell the property we live in. Firstly the letting agents are trying to get an investor to buy it so it can still be let. However if that isnt an option it will go on sale to whomever wants it. My question is when it goes on general sale do I have to allow prospective buyers access to the house to view it. I am not against the investors but am against the general public looking to buy the house. We are now looking into an alternative house just to cover our tracks if the investment buyer option doesnt work. Just wondered where I stood. Thanks (oh been here 2.5 years, had an agreement when 1st moved in 4 6 months but nothing now).

[leepylee]

Im a landlord. You are actually now on a PERIODIC tenancy which is a continuation of an assured shorthold tenancy. Plesae check your contract. The conditions of the contract state that you agree to the landlord or anyone acting on his behalf (his Agent) to view the property should he wish to sell it .They can have access to your house at any time with or without you being there as long as the ladlord gives you at least 24 hrs written notice in advance. You cannot decide to allow viewings to take place or not. its not up to you as long as the landlord has given you the notice. I have recently been in exactly the same position. Tenants will always try to put off a buyer so the owner would be crazy to let you be there at a viewing. whwy not approach your landlord yourself regarding buying the house yourself?

[Twenty20]

Sorry to disagree, but thats wrong leepylee. Even if it says in your agreement that the landlord or agent can make visits, with or without notice, they are not allowed to unless you agree. You can refuse to let anyone in whether you are there or not.

You, as the tenant, are entitled by law to 'quiet enjoyment'. If the landlord breaches this then you would be entitled to change the locks on the doors to prevent it happening again (you would have to change them back again at the end of the tenancy). The landlord could also be charged with harassment for persistent offences. Visit this landlords site for more info, its a subject that comes up fairly often http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/forumdisp lay.php?f=3

Of course, its always better to act reasonably and allow visits when its convenient for you. I dont know how you'd differentiate between investors and other buyers though.

Talk to the landlord or agent about who you would allow to visit and when.

[Velvetee]

I didn't think tenants were allowed to change the locks. My tenant's contract states they are not permitted to change locks.

I would say you speak to your local CAB regarding your problem.

[HomeBody]

I would urge the tenant to be reasonable and negotiate with the landlord when viewings may be conducted. If for whatever reason the tenant decides that they do not want viewings, then the tenant should expect the landlord to exercise their right to evict.

The tenant should decide now:
- if they want to continue living at the property through a new incoming landlord
- if they would prefer to voluntarily move to a new property.
- if they want to wait to be evicted and then move to a new property.

If I were your landlord I would politely ask what your intentions are. But for a quiet life I would evict you first and then sell.