Hi, landlord had told end of may wouldnt be renewing contract that expires 31st july. We told her we havnt anywhere to go yet and need more time. She says cant as someone moving in on 31st july. We heard house has been sold and new owners were asking our neighbours had we moved out yet. Landlord text that her husband would call on friday to check house before we give them keys on 31st. We still havnt found anywhere and are ringing housing executive every day. What do we do? Am in northern ireland. We think landlord should have had decency to tell us has sold up. New owners should have had decency to call to our house and ask had we found anywhere yet.
I know you have posted for advice on similar posts recently, and I’m sorry you aren’t managing to resolve anything with your Landlord.
As you are in Northern Ireland, many Landlords on this forum are unlikely to be aware of their specific rules and if they differ to the mainland UK. With this in mind, have you consulted Shelter Northern Ireland, as suggested by a previous post?
In mainland UK, just because notice has expired, you do not have to move out until after a court hearing, and bailiffs arrive. If rules are the same in NI, whatever plans Landlord has made, and regardless if the property is sold, makes no difference. Sit tight, keep looking for another property, seeking help from Local authority, and the Landlord will have to wait until after they have taken you to court.
2 Likes
Think lots of laws the same in northern ireland, not sure about extra time or section 21. Landlord would have to get court order if we dont move out. Dont think there is any baliffs in northern ireland but wouldnt want to be hit with court costs, but seems have no option. Will ring shelter tomorrow.
Ok so ll tells you they selling up and the new owner knocks on and asks if you have anywhere yet tou say no what then you cant expect the new owner to potentially delay the sale of their current house as this would cause a ripple effect and you cant expect the new owner through no fault of their own to not move in on the date
I think it is shameful that a landlord is advising a tenant who has been given reasonable and fair notice, to be difficult and pose extra costs and aggravation on a landlord that has done the proper thing.The tenant will also face costs and possibly a CCJ if they follow your advice. This is advise is decisive.
1 Like
Leslie is correct, if NI is the same regarding this issue. The full legal 2 mths has been given. The ll is under no obligation to state they have sold but should have issued a section 21. Albeit it may have added to the tenants focus knowing the house was being sold.
It hasnt been said there are no properties available just they haven’t found one, possibly they like, In the attachment area, or within their budget.
It is difficult when given notice to find another place quickly as the Tn is trying to find something equal or better for the same money. When the landlord has been good and held rent increases down , it suddenly becomes a massive shock to tenants to realise what the market prices are.
We are just selling one of our properties, we have given our Tn a section 21 and 3 1/2 months notice. The first week or two they’re saying they can’t find anywhere and that they have found the rents £600 per month higher for any equivalent property in the local area. This is the issue for LL when you give no, or modest increases in rent and you do not follow the market. But when you get a lovely tenant and you want them to get on in life, some of us do it. You have to ask yourself though is it actually helping the tenant when they want to move on in life? Or does it give them the ability to save for their own property? It isn’t for landlords to say.
Organisations like shelter or the council say stay, stay, wait to go to court, wait for the bailiffs, It isn’t them, but the tenants who get the black credit rating mark and CCJ which screws the tenants future life, insurance, finance costs and reduced ability to get other properties. Imagine finding your perfect property, the Rent is okayish, Yet your Newly pending or awarded CCJ stopped you getting that property, then you find that your mobile charges are different insurance costs are different interest rates on your credit cards are higher. This stay with you for years . Because some third-party organisations says stay, stay, stay rather than we found a place for you it may be temporary. It’ll give you some breathing space.
If people are adult enough to rent , there are many temp options -furniture can be stored, whilst searching, a friend may be able to put you up for a couple of weeks, temporary B&B and let’s hope it’s a very temporary B&B, Service temporary lettings, depending on the time of year some holiday accommodation sites will allow you to book the place for a month, again giving you some breathing space. This is something many others have had to do in the past.
I just googled properties in Northern Ireland for rent They were not many, but there were properties available, perhaps a temporary rental, it may be an area you don’t want but for six months until you find something more suitable, It would be positive way forward.
If the new owner was going to be a landlord and not moving in themselves, whilst you rent may be higher, you may be able to negotiate something.
If they’re not, it is a rather unpleasant mess.
Good luck with your search and future decisions.
2 Likes
Most solicitors would warn or refuse exchange of contract without vacant possession.
The point about Shelter and councils advising or forcing eviction by bailiffs is very valid and I believe immoral.
They are untouched by the costs CCJ and misery that the willing parties to a contract previously agreed on.
Agree with you, if the property is still occupied, the transaction will be held , and you , as tenant, show your proof to keep looking for new house, you cannot be evicted.
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.