New Landlord

[ninstar]

Hi
Was wondering if anyone could help me as the information ive found myself is confusing the hell out of me.
Basically ive been living in my property for 2 1/2 years, the first 2 on a assured shorthold tenancy-fixed term of 1 year, i didnt get another contract when my last one ended.
I was recently told that someone else has bought the property and wants me to sign a new 1 year ast and is going to put my rent up immediately.
Can they do this?

[tiglet]

It may have been a "rolling" contract, whereby either party can give the other 2 month's notice.

What information has your landlord/new landlord given you?

[ninstar]

so glad someone replied - thank you!!
basically they havent given me any information.
my monthly rent was due on 31st which i paid to the original landlord as i knew nothing about the sale, a day later i got a letter from the new one saying that the sale would be completed on April 4th, she'll be bringing round the contract then which will show an increased rent which is due on april 4th.
I thought that due to my original contract (renewed or not) i have to get at least a months notice of an increase regardless of whether or not the property was sold?

[tiglet]

I believe so - what does your original contract state?

This isn't my area of expertise, but if I can glean enough info, perhaps someone else can give some advice.

[ninstar]

my original contract doesnt say anything specifically about rent increases or alterations to it. It did get changed from being paid weekly to being paid monthly in oct last year.
The contract was a basic assured shorthold tenancy for 1 year fixed term.
it does state that on, or after coming to the end of the fixed term a court must make order for possesion if the landlord has given notice in this form and that the length of notice must be at least 2 months.
also says that to end the tenancy early i need to give them 1 months notice.
i did read somewhere else that you need to give at least one months notice for rent increase but unsure if this counts if someone else is buying the property.
dont know either if changing the rent to monthly counts for the one time a year a landlord can change the rent?
anyone that s knows anything id be really grateful as i have to see the new landlord fri and would prefer to be armed with the right information.
thanks again

[tiglet]

If no-one's around tonight, hopefully someone will be around tomorrow. Really not my area of knowledge, as I've said, but I've "bumped" this a bit so hopefully someone will answer.

It could be worthwhile contacting Shelter and asking them for some advice.

[ninstar]

thanks so much.
i appreciate what ever you can do.
tried looking at shelter earlier but none really seems to cover if having a new landlord changes things. illl try contacting them and see if it makes a difference

[tiglet]

Their helpline is open until midnight - 0808 800 4444.

Probably the best I can do, apart from moral support.

Alert a mod if you haven't got anywhere in 48 hours time - you can do this by pressing the triangular warning sign at the bottom of your posts and asking them to look/help.

[tomterm8]

Hm, my understanding is that they could seek a court order for eviction after two months, but the court might refuse such an order. You may be able to apply to Shelter: Rent Assessment Committees , however, given the fact your normal tenancy has expired, I believe it is quite difficult to fight this case.