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View Full Version : Leased home put up for sale in middle of lease


melfred11477
Aug 20, 2008, 04:50 PM
We are in the middle of a 1 year lease and our landlord has decided to sell the home, problem is that the real estate agents are asking us as tenants to show this home continuously i.e. (5 times in one week). I have been saying no to some requests so they send the buyer over to wonder around our yard and look in our windows? What is legally available to protect us form this? & how many times do we have to show the home in a week?

tickle
Aug 21, 2008, 04:27 AM
"By Appointment Only' usually is normal. If you lease a house, thelandloard must ask permission to view it, or have it viewed. I would say that was excessive invasion of privacy. No one is allowed within your home when you are not there.

rockinmommy
Aug 21, 2008, 07:11 AM
Thoroughly read your lease. There should be some provisions in there for the "quiet enjoyment" of you home, or something to that effect. Find that and photocopy that part. I'd blow it up pretty big, highlight that part and send it to the landlord along with a letter stating that the lease is being violated and exactly what you expect to happen, and what you're willing to do (ex... 2 showings per week). Ask in your letter, and send a copy to the listing agent, that the listing include the phrase "DO NOT BOTHER TENANTS!!!" You may ask the landlord to lower the rent while the house is being shown because of the inconvenience to you. Or have them hire a cleaning service to come in prior to showings. There's no set rule about how many showings are normal or allowed or anything like that. If you're getting that much activity I'd guess the house is probably a pretty good deal, it may sell quickly, and you won't have to worry about it much longer.

Is it clearly a "rental property", or is it a nice single family home that people are looking to buy for themselves? Hopefully you know that the new owner will have to honor the remainder of your lease. The sale doesn't affect anything in it except who you pay the rent to. Are you there during the showings? If so, I'd be SURE to mention to prospective buyers that you have 6 months (or whatever) left on your lease and no intentions of moving.

Sorry you're having to deal with it. What a pain in the butt!