Is my landlord legally responsible to pay to move my belongings if she sells the home I am renting before my lease is up?
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Is my landlord legally responsible to pay to move my belongings if she sells the home I am renting before my lease is up?
My friend recently told me that if my landlord wants me to move out before my lease is up she must also pay for my belongings to be moved to a new residence. Is this true?
Asked on April 25, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
When a building or home is sold, the buyer acquirers the property subject to all existing leases--the buyer takes over as your landlord from the existing landlord, for however long remains on the lease. (You and she can then negotiate a new or renewal lease, if you both want.) A tenant does not have to move because the property was sold. The landlord can certainly ask if you will move out prior to lease expiration, but it's voluntary on your part whether or not to do that--the lease protects your right to stay. You can therefore ask the landlord to make it worth your while to move, and see if the two of you can't work out something to your mutual benefit (e.g. the landlord pays all moving costs).
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