INHERITED SITTING TENANTS

From: Jennifer J.
Date: 27 Aug 2002
Time: 18:06:23
Remote Name: 195.93.32.14

Comments

I very much hope someone can advise me! An elderly relative recently died, and left me a property he owned, which he had inherited from his relative, which has tenants of 26 years standing. To my horror, I have discovered that when the property was originally let, it was done so without a written agreement (against a solicitors advice!)

My predicament is this: my relative left me the property in hopes that I and my family could gain possession and live in it ourselves. He was aware that there could be difficulties, but hoped that because my family and I are without a home of our own (we have been living with relatives and paying off a large negative equity loan ourselves for the past 7 years). Quite frankly,if we are unable to gain possession for our own use, we are very worried indeed that the property could become a financial millstone to us - the property is quite old and does need attention. I am frightened to have a survey done on it because I fear that thngs like re-wiring etc may need to be done, and quite simply I cannot afford this! The rent is extremely low, and although my relatve did attempt to raise it as often as possible, he had to go via the Fair Rent Office who seem to allow rises well below the level of inflation. I have been told that there may be various solutions - paying them to leave (although we have not asked the question, we were told that an attempt to buy them out was made previously and rejected - and in any case I doubt I would be able to afford to do this anyway); or selling it to a builder or a developer. Presumably they would be able to find a solution to the tenants!I have also been advised that I could offer to rehouse them...! I understand that the value of the property with tenants intact, is about 30% of the market value...assuming I could find anyone to buy it.

I understand that tenants have rights, but surely landlords do too? Particularly since I have inherited the problem. It seems vastly unfair that I need a home, cannot afford one, and now have been given one only to find that I am not allowed to live in it...Please, can anyone out there offer me a crumb of comfort or advise as to how to approach this? Any input would be much appreciated, beleive me!

Last changed: July 01, 2003