What would you do?

Faith77033
Faith77033 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
in Housing and independent living

Hello. I’m just looking for advice as I have two kids and want to make the right decision. I found out my landlord is selling a bunch of his properties, mine included. Now, I had a universal credit issue which have now been sorted and am now paying the full amount and on time again like normal. But due to this, I have rent arrears. He is selling the house with tenants still, so I haven’t been asked to move. My house isn’t in great condition (not due to me, he’s a private landlord and the house condition is on him) so, I imagine it will be sold as a fixer upper, or
Perhaps somebody who would do it up and sell it for more/profit. Which would involve me then being evicted by the new landlord.

I was wondering if my best bet if to say to my landlord, would it be helpful if I moved out because the house would sell for more money vacant and probably sell faster if I’m gone, so I move and set up a payment plan with him, and ask him not to tell the new landlord I have arrears that are not payable in one go (These aren’t my fault.) because this would effect me being accepted to other properties. I want security for my kids, and I’m thinking if I jump the gun and move now I’m ahead of potential risks and being less prepared and stressed and having a two month time frame if I’m evicted my a new landlord via a section 21 and risking not finding something in time. I am a 25 year old single mum of two so I’m not exactly appealing to non private landlords I imagine. I do have someone offering to be a guarantor for me, which helps.

OR whether I just wait it out. Because if I wait it out, and he isn’t landlord anymore and due to being private I’m fairly certain my arrears would wipe due to him not being very official and not having proof. (Not that I plan to cheat out of it if it makes sense, but if it’s a bonus it’s a bonus) What would you do?

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,600 Championing

    Hi,

    There's nothing stopping you looking for private rental properties now. If you find one quickly, you would just have to give your current landlord notice of 2 weeks or so.

    Would it be possible to pay off the rent arrears in full now? That way you can get a clean break from that landlord and don't have to tell any potential new landlords that you have arrears.

    Private rentals are hard to find for anyone nowadays, so I would recommend applying to your local Council or Housing Association as that gives you another potential opportunity to find a property.

    There is also a chance that the new landlord won't directly evict you. But they could increase the rent beyond the amount that you could afford.

    In the absolute worst case scenario, if you can't find anywhere else to go, then you should wait to be officially evicted. Then the council should find temporary accommodation quickly because of your children. Hopefully it won't come to that, but it is there as a backup plan.

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