Blog: I have seen a flat for sale at auction, but the property has an existing tenant under a normal AST.
People must do this all the time but waht is the procedure. Has anyone done this before and if so what difficulties have they encountered?
For example, the Landlord as stated on the tenancy agreement will be the current owner. If I buy the place, do I have to get the tenant to sign a new teancy agreement?
Blog: I stand to be corrected but something is nagging at the back of my head along the lines that you cannot force him to sign a new agreement.
Regards,
Blog Reply: The vendor's solicitor should write to the tenant and advise him of the change in landlord. When the tenant's AST expires then you get him to sign yours. If you think that there is going to be any trouble, give him his two month's notice to expire at the end of his existing lease - then he signs yours or has to go.
Blog Reply: I think that's right. He has the right to see out his existing AST and then he has to sign yours.
Blog Reply: Check it is definitely an AST not a protected tenancy. If it is you'll have to wait until he leaves in a box and you should price accordingly or leave it alone.
