[jjessica3]

The condo that I have been renting for the past 5 years (in the state of Pennsylvania) has been sold without any notice to me. On Dec. 18, 2007 I found a piece of paper stapled shut on the floor of condo (which was put through the mailslot on my door) Which stated that as of Dec 12, 2007 there was a new owner and that I have 30 days to vacate. The letter was dated Dec 17, 2007. My lease states that I am to be given 60days notice. Does the new owner have to honor that 60 days? And is it legal to tell me to vacate in 30days from Dec 18th? I was under the assumption that it would 30days from the 1st of the month, not the middle of the month. I'm reading the Landlord Tenant Handbook and I can't seem to find what my situation is. So I have a couple more questions; what are my rights as a renter who was not informed of the sale until after it was sold to the new owners? Am I required to pay them rent when they ask me to vacate? If so, do I pay them what I paid the previous owner? Would it be advisable to put everything in escrow? I would appreciate any information because this isn't quite the holiday I was hoping for and the letter was not delivered or handled in a professional (my opinion) and felt a little threated with a sentence in the letter... "If you do not vacate within the time period legal action will be taken as we see fit to accomplish same".

Signed, Jessica

[ScottGem]

First, a new owner has to honor the terms of any existing lease on the property. Do you have a current lease or are you month to month? If you have a current lease they cannot order you to vacate prior to the expiration of the lease. If you are on a periodic lease (month to month) generally notice has to include one full rental period. However, if your original lease required a 60 day notice, that remains in effect.

Your NEXT period rental goes to the new owner. The buyer and seller should have negotiated pro rating the income at the closing so its not of concern to you.

Did the letter give any contact info for the new owners? I would write them back (sending it certified). Include a copy of your lease, either showing an expiration date in the future or highlighting the clause requiring 60 days notice. In the letter ask for proof of the change of ownership.

If you have an expiration date, then inform them that you will vacate by the expiration date of the lease. Advise them that you are willing to move sooner as soon as you can find new accommodations, under the understanding that you will not be responsible for any balance of the lease.

If you don't have an expiration date, inform them that you will vacate by Mar 1 according the terms of the lease. Contingent on their proving they now own the condo.
The previous owner was under no obligation to inform you that he was planning to sell.