Hi! One of my friends has moved into their property couple of months ago. They are renting and have another fourm months left. Their landlord told them last week that she is putting the property on the market. What if it's sold before my friends tenancy agreement ends? Can landlords do this?

I understand that as long as buyers and tenants are aware, the landlords are within their rights to do so. The buyer, could be buying the property as an investment, anyway, and would be happy to have existing tenants in.

Not quite sure whether it's legal, but it's definitely possible. It happened to me once. My landlord put the property up for sale as soon as i moved in (didnt think i was that bad of a tenant ). I remember being worried at a time and can appreciate what your friends are going thru. Anyway, in my case the sale was done really quickly, but new landlord, luckily, bought the house as an investment and was real good.

Hi frekenbok! Sorry to be nosey but are your friends still renting the same property? I dont suppose it's been sold already?

Unfortunately, the property was sold and rather quickly! The new owner wants to continue renting it out and let them continue with the same tenancy till the end of their fixed term. The tenancy ends some time in August. My friends are concerned that their new landlord may use it to offer them a new contract and put the rent up. Can he do it?

My understanding is that once the fixed term comes to an end, the landlord can either offer another fixed term tenancy or offer a periodic one (month to month). And, of course, it could offer your friends new landlord a chance to increase the rent. It might be a good idea to check the average rental in the area your friends live for similar properties. If the average is lower than they pay now they may even negotiate their current rent or maybe even move out?