Q: Can a landlord terminate a lease because of selling the house?
I moved in and signed a year lease in October of 2019. Two months ago he has people coming to look at the house and said he was planning on selling all of his rentals eventually, but not to worry everything was a process and would take time and I would have plenty of time to move out. Now he's calling quite frequently asking if I have found a place. I am single mom of four who works full time and not a lot of houses are for rent in our area or are having showings due to covid 19. He said he has to pay extra to have more appraisals done if he doesnt sign paperwork coming up in may. Can he legally make me leave even though we have a year lease and I am up to date on rent? I am not the one breaking the lease, he is?
A: Landlord cannot legally force you out if you have a valid written lease that you both signed. Your lease remains in effect if landlord sells, and it is binding on any new owner until the expiration date specified in the lease. The new owner must honor the lease, must follow its terms, and can't change your rent during the lease term or impose other charges. But when the lease expires, the new owner can make changes, or choose not to renew the lease. If the landlord bullies you, use the Find a Lawyer tab and retain a local real estate attorney to deal with landlord.
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