Help please. Landlord says one thing, another happens.

[chris660]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Hi. My landlord informed me that he was refinancing the house that I am currently renting to get some extra money. He told me that an appraiser from the refinance company would need to inspect the property. After about a month of scheduling conflicts, we settled on today.

The agent from the company arrived with the landlord, but 2 families also showed up with the agent in separate vehicles. The agent and the two families came into the house for a walkthrough. To me it looked like they were interested in renting or buying the place. After they left, the landlord stayed behind, and I asked him what was going on? He assured me he was as confused about the situation as I was, and said he would talk to the agent. He spoke with him and returned. He stated that the agent said these two families were potential investors into the agent's company?? I immediately began asking questions as to who this agent was, who did he work for, what is going on, etc. The landlord informed me that he needed to research more about this agent and make sure he wasn't getting scammed, and he wasn't exactly sure what was happening either. He also said two more groups of "investors" would be around tomorrow to look at the house.

Now, I have no clue as to what is going on, and the landlord dodged my questions about the agent's name and the company he worked for. I don't really understand what is going on here? And the landlord isn't helping because he seems to be avoiding my questions or he is in the dark as much as I am. Just wondering if anyone has experienced a similar situation or could shed any light as to what may be happening? I've never seen investors bring multiple teenage and infant children along with them to a deal. Can I refuse to allow these people to walk through the house until I receive further information? Or does it not matter since it's the landlord's property and not mine? Do I have any rights to question this agent in regards to his name and the company he works for? Really confused here and any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Hi. My landlord informed me that he was refinancing the house that I am currently renting to get some extra money. He told me that an appraiser from the refinance company would need to inspect the property. After about a month of scheduling conflicts, we settled on today.

The agent from the company arrived with the landlord, but 2 families also showed up with the agent in separate vehicles. The agent and the two families came into the house for a walkthrough. To me it looked like they were interested in renting or buying the place. After they left, the landlord stayed behind, and I asked him what was going on? He assured me he was as confused about the situation as I was, and said he would talk to the agent. He spoke with him and returned. He stated that the agent said these two families were potential investors into the agent's company?? I immediately began asking questions as to who this agent was, who did he work for, what is going on, etc. The landlord informed me that he needed to research more about this agent and make sure he wasn't getting scammed, and he wasn't exactly sure what was happening either. He also said two more groups of "investors" would be around tomorrow to look at the house.

Now, I have no clue as to what is going on, and the landlord dodged my questions about the agent's name and the company he worked for. I don't really understand what is going on here? And the landlord isn't helping because he seems to be avoiding my questions or he is in the dark as much as I am. Just wondering if anyone has experienced a similar situation or could shed any light as to what may be happening? I've never seen investors bring multiple teenage and infant children along with them to a deal. Can I refuse to allow these people to walk through the house until I receive further information? Or does it not matter since it's the landlord's property and not mine? Do I have any rights to question this agent in regards to his name and the company he works for? Really confused here and any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Your landlord is obviously selling the house rather than refinancing and does not want to admit it to you at this point...probably because the landlord is afraid that you will leave before it gets sold and he would lose the monthly rent you are paying.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Yep; sounds like the landlord will be selling the property.

If he does, keep in mind that any lease you have "rolls over" to the new owners. If they wish, they can offer to "buy" you out of your lease (i.e., a "cash for keys" deal) as an incentive to have you move out earlier than your lease would normally end but you would be under no legal obligation to agree to this.

While you cannot refuse to allow these folks in to view the property (it's not your property) you do need to be given proper notice that folks will be coming (your landlord has done this regarding the two groups coming tomorrow) and these viewings need to be at reasonable times of the day (i.e., not at 3 am in the morning, for example). You do have the right not to have troops of folks coming through at all hours of the day and night over and over again.

Gail

 

[chris660]

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

I punched my address into google and see that my house is currently for rent at a lower rate than what I pay now. Don't know why he just couldn't be upfront with me about it? Thanks again