What are a current tenant’s rights when their rentalhome is being sold?
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What are a current tenant’s rights when their rentalhome is being sold?
I am renting and my landlord is now a lawyer who has contacted a realtor to sell the house. They are planning to sell it with me as a tenant however I know not to count on it. What are my rights as far as changing the locks for piece of mind when there is a new owner showing the house when I am not home? Can they enter without my permission if I decide I want to be here when they show it? How long do I have before I have to leave if the new buyer decides they don’t want a tenant the house can be a 1 or 2 family?
Asked on January 12, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Connecticut
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
When a property is sold, the new buyer takes it subject to any and all existing leases--basically, the new owner steps into the shoes of the old owner and becomes the landlord. You will have the same rights under the new owner as you did under the old owner; so, for example, you cannot be evicted during the term or period of your lease (i.e. until it expires), unless you breach the lease, fail to pay, or do something plainly wrongful, like deliberately damaging the property.
Of course, the new owner may choose to not renew your lease when it's up, or to change the terms, or raise the rent. And if you don't have a written lease, a landlord can terminate your tenancy on 30 days notice.
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