QUESTION: I want to end my fixed term tenancy agreement because the landlord wants to sell the premises. They did not tell me this before entering into the tenancy agreement. They just told me on the day the managing agent arranged the first inspection of the property.
Then they sent a letter to inform me they’d like to have open inspections every Saturday. It’s making me unhappy but I don’t know if I have to pay the landlord compensation for terminating early or not?
I don’t know what happens if the landlord sells the premises or how long I have to cooperate with the open inspections every weekend. It’s not fair but I don’t want to lose my bond. – Por (edited from Flat Chat Forum)
ANSWER: This is what the Fair Trading website says;
“If a landlord notifies their intention to sell the premises during the fixed term of a tenancy agreement and did not disclose the proposed sale before signing the agreement, the tenant can terminate the lease with 14 days notice and doesn’t have to compensate the landlord for the early termination.”
Could not be clearer – call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or contact the Tenants Union if you have any problems.
You can read more about this specific case HERE on the Flat Chat Forum, find the Fair Trading web page HERE or the Tenants Union (NSW) fact sheet HERE.
For links to tenants advice in other states go HERE.