06 Apr 2009 12:00 AM:
Hello
I am 2 months into an 11 month temporary contract and very happy in our apartment. The owner has told me that he wants to sell the property although I can continue to stay here at the moment. I am a little upset as I expected to have this home for 11 months. I know it is only a temporary contract but I wondered what rights I may have. I also know that the probability is that the property will not sell before my contract is up but I'd still like to know where I stand.
My contract has no clauses in it regarding the sale of the property. It says that if I move out before the 11 months I will lose my deposit but what happens when it is the other way round and I am being asked to leave as it has been sold? I would like advice on the following:
- Am I legally entitled to stay in the property until the end date on my contract even if it is sold?
- If a new owner allows me to stay can he change the terms of the current agreement and price?
- What sort of notice should the owner give me? My contract states that if I violate any terms or do not pay the rent then I would be required to vacate immediately however there is no clause regarding the landlord giving me notice to vacate. Also I am worried that a sale could complete quickly and the new owner want me out straight away.
- Would I be entitled to any compensation for the hassle of moving/finding a new place/getting deposit together again etc etc
- Can I legally end my contract now and get my deposit back? I would of course give a months notice and ensure payments are up to date etc.
Ideally I would like to stay until the 11 months are up however I'm not keen in having to organise the apartment for viewings etc. I work all day (except this week I have a holiday! ) and really I would not like anyone to go in without me being there but most viewings will obviously take place during the day. I do not wish to be difficult to my owner but believe that whilst I pay rent this is in theory "my home". Therefore any advice anyone could give me would be of great help. If I can legally stay there until the end then great but if not I am tempted to move out sooner but obviously do not want to lose my deposit.
Thanks in advance
Scott
Thread:
Tenant in need of advice - owner selling
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