We are leasing a condo on a one year contract - I just got an e-mail from the owner (who lives in CA) that she's putting the house on the market to be sold in January - but we have a lease agreement until March 25, 2008. Can she do that? She said she's either doing that or raising the rent $200 a month. I don't think she can do that, but I wanted some back up. I'm freaking out right now. She wants to do that to someone with kids RIGHT after Christmas?!
I mentioned our contract with her, and all is good. She isn't raising the rent until March, and asked if we'd like to stay. She said if we didn't, she was going to attempt to sell. We told her we wouldn't be staying if the rent goes up (It would be 1450 a month!) and we would be moving. We aren't interested in buying this house, as it's a HOA, and we don't want to permanently reside in one. Thanks for the help guys! We are happy to know this far in advance that we'll be moving and be able to be prepared for it, instead of only having 30 days notice.
Hi T.,
I just joined the group and read your message. You've probably already found the answers to your question about your lease, but in case you haven't, please feel free to give me a call or email me. I'm a Realtor in Sarasota, have owned rental properties for years, and can give you pointers on how to handle your landlord.
Good luck!
G. G.
Michael Saunders & Co
###-###-####
____@____.com
I'm no lawyer nor familiar with renting laws, but there is no way this sounds legal!! Get professional help immediately!!
Hi T.,
I am assuming youa re in the Sarasota Bradenton area. Please get some clrification from your landlord, does she have a buyer lined up for January or is she planning ti list the home for sale in January. That makes a huge difference because if she is just listing I would not be concerned about her finding a buyer and closing before March 25 when your lease is up. In the meantime that gives you and your husband plenty of time to find somewhere to move. She can raise the rent at time of lease renewal in March and she can list the home for sale letting the new owner know of the lease agreement that is in place.
Hope that helps....are you and your husband in a position to purchase a home at this time?
My husband works as a property manager for the county government, so he's very familiar with lease contracts. You need to look over your contract well and see if it states anywhere that the landlord is allowed to terminate the lease early. If not, then you can fight to prevent her making you leave, but it may mean a trip to court. I hope this helps.
R.
If she doesn't have anyone lined up, I really wouldn't worry about it. I could just be her way of telling you that after March, she won't be looking for a new contract with you. She can list it, but the seller would know that they can't close until March or they have to take over your contract.
I would get help on the rent. She shouldn't be able to raise it in the middle unless that is specified in the contract. You need to read every word in that contract to find that out. If it is in there and you signed it, then you are stuck. You can find a realestate attourney and just pay the $150 to have a consult with him if things keep getting worse for you guys! If you are able, look into buying, you are in a perfect situation. You can buy without having to sell something, this is your market!
