Ugh....the joys of renting

KrisM86

We rent our house and moved in this past August and signed a 1 year lease. We were hoping to stay for 2-3 years or so. We're not in a position to buy right now, especially because we're not sure how settled my husband is with his job.

I just got an email from our landlord saying a real estate agent will be contacting me to set up a time to come see the house this week because they're thinking of putting it up for sale. He assured me that our lease would be honored, which I believe, but still. If they decide to put it up for sale, we're going to have to deal with showings, possible work being done to the house, and the hassle of moving AGAIN. We were just finally starting to get really settled, and especially with baby #2 due in April, this is so not what I want to deal with right now!

This is a totally pointless vent, so thanks for listening! I'm just a bit hormonal and frustrated right now. 

Stewartandmaura

That stinks. I don't think they can do showings while you are renting. I thought the owner had to wait until your lease is up.

 

rous27

I'm sorry you have to move again. That sucks.
I had a place that I was renting go up for sale. The realtor showed while I was still living there. It was incredibly annoying and the people would walk around my home while I was trying to study.

stardust317

That stinks! Moving is a PITA especially pregnant!! Have you tried discussing a longer term lease? He may be persuaded to keep it awhile loner if he knows he won't have to find new renters.

KrisM86

stardust317:

That stinks! Moving is a PITA especially pregnant!! Have you tried discussing a longer term lease? He may be persuaded to keep it awhile loner if he knows he won't have to find new renters.

We had already offered to sign a 2 year lease, but he turned it down. We made it clear we wanted to stay 2-3 years and he seemed happy to hear it, but who knows. Maybe his situation has changed and he needs to sell.  

LatteLady5

I'm so sorry for you. Renting sucks. After moving DH made a family proclamation that we'd never rent again. I don't have any advice for you but I really do know how much it sucks. Sorry

pennysuedog

Unless that was part of your lease you do not have to do showings.  If you do not mind the showings you could strike a bargain to get a cheaper rent.  As tenants you have rights. 

ETA:

Check your lease and also check your states rental laws.

It does very by state.  Some states say they can only show the home the last 30 days of your lease.  Some say the buyer needs to give you a 24 hour notice before a showing.

I have seen lots of properties with unhappy renters they do not show well, it is in both of your interest that you come to a happy conclusion.

HappyAardvark

That stinks. Check over your lease, but I'm pretty sure they can't sell it from under you before the lease term is up. At least August is far away and you have plenty of time to start looking for another house. I hate to say it, but I'd probably wait a few weeks to see if any offers come in right away, then start looking for a new place based on how active the listing is and how motivated you think the owners are to sell. The last thing you need is to be in the middle of June or July, having to scramble to pack the house and find a new place, being further along in your pg'cy and with options they much more limited.

LCass

I'll be hoping that either the landlord decides not to sell or the new buyers decide they want to keep renting it out.  Hopefully you won't have to move!

cantalopes24

I don't think you have any say in the showings, they may even be able to sell to someone looking for an investment property and they will continue renting to you. I have seen some local houses for sale and in the listing it says the house is currently rented and I forget how they word it but a selling point of the house is that the new owner won't have to find new renters.

KrisM86

Thanks for the sympathy and advice, ladies! We'll definitely be checking up on the state laws and making sure we know our rights. The real estate agent will be coming by next week, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens.