Notice to quit after 20 years.....property evaluation

dragona

Been renting an unfurnished property for the last 20 years, v long story but I suffered domestic abuse, and my husband was made to leave.

I had the lease changed to my name only three months later, and all well and good, and then suddenly in October my landlord informed me he wants to sell. Ok.

Have been given the required amount of notice, which is to the last day in July, but have just received a call from the landlord saying the auctioneers will be getting in touch shortly for an evaluation to price the property. Is it strange that it is being done so soon? Why have it valued whilst I am still living here, and still have 7 months of tenancy left most if not all the fixtures and fittings are mine. The appliances and Furniture are all mine.

Are they going to report back to him that my bathroom is messy ? bedroom untidy etc?

Not a rent issue, always been paid in a timely manner, was given a valid enough reason as to why selling....😥 true or not who knows, but anyway.....

I am already super stressed about the whole situation,can he put it up for sale whilst I am still living here, do I have to let people in to traipse around and view ?😮

herbalplants

I am sorry you are going through this but yes the owner is getting ready to sell. He is not doing anything wrong.

Selling a house takes months and he doesn't want to wait until July to start the process. He wants the house more or less sold around that time.

If he starts in July, he may have lost already in the price, prices will go down by July. He wants to sell it on a higher market, totally under stable what he is doing. On the other side, he has his own personal business and this doesn't reflect badly on you at all.

I am sure, he will advertise as unfurnished house so your own stuff are your own, he will state this in the sell.

kabakuyu

You have had a renting relationship with your landlord for 20 years so I am sure ye can come to suitable arrangements regarding viewings of house,maybe ask LL if they know of any other property for rent and also remind them you will require a glowing reference for your future prospective LL's.

Very normal. No the estate agent will not be gossiping if you’re bedrooms untidy, they don’t give a shite. It’s not what they’re looking at anyways.

Im not one, so I’m not exactly sure what they are looking at when they value a house, but the simplest way to put it I guess is they’ll be looking at everything that’s not yours basically. It’ll be an empty house when it’s sold (or when the new owners move in) so your furniture or whatever is of no relevance.

awec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058278231/notice-to-quit-after-20-years-property-evaluation

They basically take measurements, check what sort of heating you have, check what sort of showers you have, count the bedrooms and bathrooms and note down any notable features or issues.

They couldn't give a crap if every item of clothing you wear is on the bedroom floor, though obviously it makes their job a bit harder.

Marcusm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058278231/notice-to-quit-after-20-years-property-evaluation

The short answer to your final question is that you cannot be legally compelled to permit viewings during the period when you live there. Likewise, you are required to allow the landlord or his agents reasonable access to inspect the property but this is for the purpose of establishing whether you are meeting the terms of the letting arrangement, not to facilitate taking pictures for a prospective sale. These would be breaches of your entitlement to quiet enjoyment of the property (which means free from disturbance or disruption by the landlord rather than anything to do with noise).

You might, however, find it suitable to agree to the photos and viewings to facilitate the landlord showing similar flexibility to you on other aspects if the letting.

Your lease agreement would most likely have a provision for valuations and viewings. I'm sure if you have a good relationship with the landlord ye can come to an amicable agreement on when viewings occur.

Rentals are still being snapped up so I'd start the process of looking for somewhere else to live now. Best of luck.

Girl Geraldine

I'd also add to that by saying if you manage to find a suitable alternative rental then take it while it is going and you can move out of your current rental before the notice period is over.

While there are certain notice periods for tenants wanting to leave too, the reality is that it is a landlords market and a landdlord wanting to sell up will only be too happy to have a tenant voluntarily leave early so they can get vacant possession of the property - that is extremely important in helping to have an easy straightforward sale.

Certainly If I was selling up and the tenant offered to move out well before the notice period was up - I would take their hand off for the offer, I'd nearly go down with the van and start moving stuff out for them. I wouldn't give a shít about the rent for the remainder of the lease or notice period - that is worth nothing compared to the value of vacant possession.

dragona

Thanks for all your replies..... I've no intention of making things difficult for my landlord AT ALL.

Super stressed, I've found myself now on disability allowance, no husband {yay!} 2 small dogs, don't drive, and 20+ years worth of possessions to try and keep, and there is NOWHERE to rent!

Just have to keep going! 😁

astrofool

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120068604#Comment_120068604

Start looking early, try and agree a timescale that suits you rather than the landlord and by that I mean, if you find somewhere sooner, talk to the landlord about leaving early rather than waiting till the last minute (a lot of accommodation can become available a month or 2 ahead and you don't want to be stuck until July, miss out on places, and then have to panic).

Finding an unfurnished place could be more difficult (down to renting regulations) so plan on selling stuff you don't need or putting it into storage.

Girl Geraldine

Your husband should be paying your rent in a new place. He should be paying you spousal maintenance.

You also could be getting deserted wife's allowance.

Dial Hard

Have you a current lease? Is the tenancy registered? Are you paying full market rate on the rent? If you've been the beneficiary of any kind of arrangement with the landlord all this time then it would be pretty bad form to start playing silly buggers now with regards to valuations, viewing etc, especially as he's given you full notice. I was in a similar situation as you, in the same place for 10 years, but didn't even get the full notice as I had an "off the books" arrangement with the LL. And yes, it was a pain in the hole having to make myself scarce for valuations, photography and viewings (which I really hated as it just felt so weird knowing strangers were wandering around my home), but I wasn't exactly in a position to start invoking my rights when the situation had been mutually beneficial up to then. Of course, if your agreement is all above board, then ignore all of the above.

Either way, I'd advise making finding somewhere new your priority, but as others have said, you're likely to find it extremely difficult. Mobilise your network and ask your landlord to do the same. And the very best of luck to you. I ended up having to put all my furniture in storage and move home.

herbalplants

Good points above. Make sure you are going through your 20 years of stuff now as no way you will find a fully unfurnished property so best bet is start selling bit and pieces.

ohnonotgmail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120068719#Comment_120068719

Deserted wives allowance was discontinued 25 years ago. The OP has said they are on disability. they haven't mentioned kids so don't qualify for the lone parents allowance.

Deeec

Sorry OP - its a tough situation you find yourseld in.

Talk to the estate agent/auctioneer when they call around aswell. Explain your situation and dont be hostile towards them - They may look after lettings aswell and may be able to find you somewhere to rent. 20 years renting the same place means you are a good tenant. Often places to rent are not even advertised anymore.

I hope you find somewhere nice to rent soon.

SwimClub

Don't be afraid to ask the owner if they can help find you somewhere new, they may have some contacts that are landlords or their estate agent and it's in their interest. Keep paying the rent and don't commit to leaving until you have somewhere acceptable to go.

If you can't find anywhere to rent within a month or so, try to talk to the local authority, I think some have been instructed to buy properties in this situation where someone would otherwise be de facto homeless, i.e. there is a small chance they might buy off your landlord and you could stay. I don't know if you qualify for help but it's worth talking to them and possibly even some agencies like threshold for advice. Get some advice from people not just on boards, this is a common problem now the sooner you talk to people in the know who can help in this situation the better.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120068719#Comment_120068719

Deserted wifes allowance was something thst was paid out in the last century...its long since ceased 😂

OP, It is awful to have to leave a home you lived in for over 20 years, thats very very tough.

can you contact Cluid or one of the other housing bodies,they provide housing for people presenting with various disabilities. I wish you.luck.going fwd.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120070483#Comment_120070483

Maybe instead of making fun of an honest mistake you could be helpful?

OFP (One-Parent Family) is the new payment as it’s paid to men or women. In OPs case it barley makes any sense. They’ll lose travel pass for one thing and they don’t drive. May also affect medical card. Not worth it.

Unfortunately I think owning two dogs could be a stumbling block in finding a new rental.

headtheball14

If you have been in the property for so long it makes sense for the estate agent to check it to start planning if any repairs are needed prior to putting up for sale for example new flooring painting or plastering.

They would need to get this work booked with a trade and budgeted for sooner rather than later. Good luck with it

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120072679#Comment_120072679

The estate agent is not checking the property for what repairs need to be done. They want to view the property to value it for the owner and get it on the market!

herbalplants

Good point above on dogs. You will find impossible to find a place who will accept the dogs. Maybe in the countryside.

SwimClub

Dogs are less of an issue in unfurnished places, especially with potentially a long term tenant that wasn't demanding on redecorating frequently.

Small kids would do more damage!

iwillhtfu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120073785#Comment_120073785

It's not so much the damage caused by dogs but the smell of dogs. If they're smaller breeds they tend to be house dogs, I know most will say their dog doesn't smell but as a dog owner they all leave a smell particularly if indoors a lot.

Either way most will not accept pets but that's low on the pecking order as houses aren't in huge supply and unfurnished houses probably less so. Find a house first op then address the dog issue.

dragona

Not keeping my dogs is not an option under any circumstances, even if it means living in a tent. They're all I have. It would be like giving up my children, so it would be the end for me!

I'm 58, my adult daughter lives with me and is my carer.

I did enquire about the council buying the property, but you have to have been on HAP for 5 years, I've only been on it for a few months since my husband has been gone.

I know this is going to be a disaster for me 😥

dragona

Thank you all though for your comments x

Girl Geraldine

I think your husband, if he is working, should be paying your rent. He can't just walk off into the sunset. He is obliged to pay spousal maintenance to cover your living expenses. You could take him to court for it.

Contact a family law solicitor.

headtheball14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120073440#Comment_120073440

My point was that they may want to assess the property at this time to allow them to say what work needs to be done before presenting for sale.

Work can't take place till tenant leaves but will need to be planned for.

This would explain why they want access months before the tenant is due to leave

herbalplants

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120074035#Comment_120074035

We understand. I am a dog lover myself. But rentals usually don't accept dogs. I seen cases myself where property rented by nice landlord to someone with dog and damage done.

dragona

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120074424#Comment_120074424

Oh I wish 🤣 he was escorted out by the Gardai 7 months ago,

He would get his payslips doctored, that's why I haven't bothered. Right dodgy bas***d.

Anyway someone coming from auctioneers on Monday to look around, so obviously have to neutradol the whole house this weekend😂

walterking

Unless you live in one of the main cities, it won't be as difficult as you think to get a property especially if you have an excellent record as you seem to have.

The agent selling the property is an ideal person to find you another property - so offer coffee/tea & talk to them and ask if you can be contacted for anything that would be suitable. He/she will have direct contact with your current LL so can give a new LL a very concrete reference.

They will now other agents too, so may also be able to steer you in the right direction. Many rentals never come on the market as agents have lists and in many cases someone with as strong a record as you have, is ideal as the more professional LL's are looking for long term easy to deal with tenants

dragona

Thank you all!

Quite frankly, I am getting to the point of hysteria....

When I, or rather we, moved in, I made it clear as I had 3 young children, that I was looking for a long-term let, ie at least 5 years, and never imagined we would be here as long as we have! Things are different though, as now I'm on my own.

I have treated this house as my own, it was empty apart from a dishwasher and a cooker. I have since replaced the dishwasher at least 4 times, without bothering my landlord about it. It died, we just got a new one. The cooker is still here but really on its last legs. The shower has died a good few times, but we just replaced it as we went along.

I asked at the beginning if we could redecorate, put shelves up, etc, and was told that was fine, to go ahead and do as we pleased, as we had to live here. So I have! Just last year I spent a fortune on paint😥 Now I need to ask......do I need to paint everything magnolia before I pitch my tent? Can I take my expensive dishwasher with me? For example, a wooden curtain pole in a bedroom just crumbled....so I bought a new nice one. Do I need to leave it behind? I'm not the kind of person that would contact my landlord for stupid petty things, in actual fact, he has only ever bothered to come to the house 3 times in 20 years. There was a massive leak from somewhere, and the floor had to be replaced 6 years ago, and that was the last time I saw him other than just recently.

What is considered wear and tear after nearly 20 years? Obviously, there are a few things, such as the window sills paintwork being a bit not great, do I need to repaint all the skirting boards? I can't find all the keys to the bedroom doors 😥 and am panicking.....

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120078366#Comment_120078366

Absolutely bring your dishwasher with you. You are not responsible for getting the house ready for sale so don't do any paintwork etc. You are there 20 years and have been a good tentant. I'm sure the landlord will be reasonable.

Panjandrums

I would recommend looking for a new place to rent now rather than wait until July. If you moved out early the landlord would be delighted and any issues relating to lost keys etc would be quickly overlooked.

dragona

Believe you me I've been looking since the end of October! Nothing nothing nothing 😭

herbalplants

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120078708#Comment_120078708

Where are you looking to live? Is it Dublin? As someone mentioned above, if not one of the big cities, you should be fine.

dragona

No, I'm in Mullingar area, not a cupboard available!

Murt10

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120068719#Comment_120068719

Ahh the Good Old Days!!!

We didn't half stigmatise women back then. To be a widow was respectable, but other than widows we also had Deserted Wifes Allowance (DWA), Prisoners Wifes Allowance (PWA), Unmarried Mothers Allowance (UMA) and another one if memory serves me, Single Womens Allowance (SAA) (where the woman was over a certain age but had no kids and had no income, often would have been caring for a relative or parent at home and then that person died).

Also in the case of Deserted Wifes Allowance, there was such a thing as Volition. The woman was interviewed by the Department and had to have a good reason for leaving Spouse, violence, infidelity etc., She wasn't entitled to payment if she just took it into her head to leave him. Her husband was also interviewed to get his version and to verify her version of events, and if there was a different story, she wolud be reineterviewed and asked for comments on what her husband had said. .

Girl Geraldine

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120078366#Comment_120078366

Your land lord is selling the house. 99.9% of sales and buyers will want the house vacant and empty. They don't want second hand stuff like appliances and furniture and so on lying around. Plus you bought the appliances so they are yours. Anything that is yours take it with you. Anything that is not yours just leave it behind for the landlord to deal with. The only thing to be left in a house for sale is the fixed fixtures like the fitted kitchen and the bathroom ware.

As for curtain rails and so on. It is trivial item and not worth anyone's time to be either fixing nor taking with you. I'd say just leave it as is. Sure what are you going to do with it anyway if you take it? Only another piece of junk.

Don't even think about painting anything. There is no need. For selling a house, it really doesn't come into the equation. It makes no difference to value. It will be the buyers job to do whatever painting up they want.

All you need to do is pack up whatever stuff is yours and vacate on the agreed day.

Girl Geraldine

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120077142#Comment_120077142

Don't worry about neutradol or any of that. Auctioneer's don't care about any of that. They are not coming to look at your living situation nor do they have any interest in your or what you have or don't have in the house. They are looking at the structure of the house itself, how many rooms, the sizes, layout etc. That is the stuff that is important in a sale, not whatever a vacating tenant is up to.

You are getting yourself too involved in the sale part of it. It doesn't concern you and it isn't any of your business. So all you need to do is agree to facilitate reasonable access and viewings and vacate as agreed when the time comes.

You need to focus your mind on your own business, ie, getting a new house sorted for yourself.

dragona

Ah about the neutradol haha I've 2 small dogs, and landlord knows him, so apparently he's going to keep me in mind if he gets any properties available.... Just didn't want him to think I kept a stinking dog house :)

Anyway he was here all of 5 mins, went upstairs, had a minimal look and that's it!

Ray Palmer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120070483#Comment_120070483

I can assure you this is still a payment given out but is closed to new applicants since 1997. So it hasn't ceased

Sleepy

Just a point - have you mentioned your disability to the housing officer in the council? It's one of the factors that can get you prioritised on the waiting list. If you've been on HAP the entire 20 years, frankly I'm surprised you haven't had an offer of alternative accommodation from the council yet.

Squatman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120078366#Comment_120078366

dont worry about any of this. Take the good, leave the ****. your landlord wont give a continental as he will be selling as opposed to looking for new renters. 20 years should expect quite an amount of wear and tear.

dragona

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120094056#Comment_120094056

No, I have only been on HAP since July, husband left in May.I only have disability so was forced to apply for it.

The council have been informed of all my problems, but somehow I don't think I'll be offered anywhere to live by the end of July?

If I don't find anything I've no idea what happens or where I'll go.

Sleepy

The absolute worst case scenario is that you don't find anything by the move out date, report to the council as homeless and they'll have you put up in temporary accommodation (most likely a hotel) until such time as they, or you, can find a suitable rental so don't be worrying about finding yourself out on the street.

You mentioned wear and tear etc. as well. Remember - any decorative upkeep (e.g. those window sills you mentioned) were your Landlords responsibility to keep on top of over the past 20 years, not yours. So if they're looking a bit shabby, it's not on you to correct it in order to get your security deposit back.

The estate agent could be your best bet here as in order to sell the property and make they're commission, they need you out and while you've given us no indication you plan to over-hold, he/she doesn't know you won't do that if you struggle to find another rental ;)

dragona

Actually, I have always been confused as to whose responsibility is what.

I assumed that the paintwork and upkeep of the interior was mine, ie to keep the paintwork fresh etc and that the outside house things were his. Other than the garden of course.

Nowhere on my lease is there any mention of anything. For example, keeping the gutters clean, and the boiler serviced, etc.

The gutters have been cleaned sinonce, and I paid for that, years ago though. No one in 20 years has ever looked at the boiler outside. In actual fact, only ever seen the landlord 4 times in my life!

dennyk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120104703#Comment_120104703

Your landlord is entirely responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and repair of the entire property. It's not uncommon for long-term tenants to have some informal agreement with their landlord to take care of certain things themselves, especially if their landlord is sound, but legally the responsibility would ultimately be the landlord's; they can't force the tenant to cover the costs of upkeep or repairs, unless the tenant's own actions or gross negligence caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

dragona

I see..... So servicing the boiler, maintaining the chimney, cleaning gutters, replacing non working taps etc, has never been my responsibility. Interesting, thank you.

herbalplants

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106144#Comment_120106144

Did the landlord raise the rent many times in 20 years?

Were you paying the market rate?