Landlord broke lease BEFORE we moved in, what are my rights?

Question

Hi, everyone!

My girlfriend and I had signed a one-year lease with the Landlord. We were going to rent out his house for $1100/month, however, his house was to be up for sale until the end of July. He came over last week to sign the lease, as he did not think his house would sell.

We got a call last night from him, stating that an offer had came in and they will be taking the offer and leaving my girfriend and I homeless.

Does anyone know my rights? For compensation, the "Landlord" said he would be bringing over a cheque for $4000.00. I tried contacting a Lawyer, but they are all closed for the day.

I guess I will wait and see. Is $4000.00 a good amount? I have no idea what to do.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Answer 1

The landlord is being very charitable. He didn't need to pay you anything by law.

Answer 2

you knew it was for sale - those are the chances you take when renting something that is for sale.

You don't say if you had paid him any deposit money or anything yet.  ALL you are entitled to is your money back.  I think he is being VERY generous in offering you ANY money for compensation.  He did not have to do that.

Stop being greedy and find another place to live.  Why does everyone always think that someone owes them something in unfortunate situations??? This country is to "Sue happy"

Answer 3

I think you need to count your blessings.

If you can't find an apartment or something in a few days, then something is most likely serious wrong with your credit rating, which isn't anyone's problem but yours.

$4,000 is MORE than enough generous compensation, and any judge would have been very, very unlikely to grant you even half that amount.

One-month's rent of where you are currently staying is probably the max a judge would give you.

You could sue, but you'll be wasting your time.

Answer 4

Thank your lucky stars that the landlord is both charitable and generous.  Under the law, since you knew the house had the "potential" to sell before your lease took effect,  the landlord doesn't "owe" you anything except the return of your deposit.

Answer 5

Take the money and run, idiot.

Answer 6

Take the $4000 and run, not walk to get it in the bank.

Answer 7

First I was going to tell you go to renters rights.org, but not so much.

how much money did you give him? By law that's all he has to give you back, and usually that's less admin. fees.

My advice to you will probably be repeated a bunch by the time I get done typing this message.

take the money and RUN. don't be greedy, you could have easily been on YA asking how to get your money back from same said landlord.

Answer 8

$4000 is an AWESOME offer. You're likely going to get less than that if you try and sue. If your landlord is smart they reserved the right to terminate without cause with 30 day notice anyway. I mean what more do you want? You're already getting a 350% return on your investment. Sure, you're inconvenienced and that stinks but now you can afford to pay 3 months rent in advance from the other person's offer.

Take it and hush :)

What they are offering the vast majority of people would have to spend months or years fighting for and still not get in court. Ask a judge, they'll tell you how lucky you are to get an offer like that.