Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Utah

renters rights

Renters leasing a residental home from Oct 1998 to present. Lately the landlord has put his rental for sale. Renters wants to buy their own personal home which I deffinately know it's their right. Renters disclosed to the Landlord of their interest in buying a home. Landlord replied..."If you buy a home before this rental is sold, you will lose your deposit." On April 22 1999. A Buyer interest on the rental was accepted. On the above date the renters has 19 day to move to another location that their present Landlord own. Of course,this is what the renter doesn't want. If they don't move to that specify location they were told they'd broke their least agreement and forfeit their deposit.

As far as I know, this contract is only for this present address and not for the secondary rental unit which they will be forced in.

I just want to know if this is an ethical justification on the Landlord behalf....

Thanks.


Asked on 4/27/99, 1:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jeffery Hess Hawkins-Smith

Re: renters rights

The lease I assume is written and you did not specify for how long it lasts, but normally there is a termination clause in a lease for both Landlord and Tenant. Read this provision. If LL has a right to terminate it usually is for cause, i.e. you distroyed the place, however, read the fine print there may be a section that allows for a termination if property is sold. 19 days is a very short time most states require longer, I don't know what your state provides.

You asked if it was ethically wrong, not really unless LL has a specific right written in the Lease, then LL is exercising its rights, maybe not to your liking, but thats why we should always read the fine print.

Check with a lawyer that prctises real estate to get a correct answer for your state.

Read more
Answered on 5/03/99, 9:29 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Utah