Question
If our landlord sells our building does it void our lease?
2 months ago we signed a 1 year lease with our landlord. She did not inform us, or give us any hint, that she was selling our building. Last week she tells us, out of the blue, that our building will be sold in three weeks and that she will be moving us to a different building on the other side of town. There is nothing in our lease that says anything about this. Are we legally obligated to move to this other building if we don't like it or don't like the neighborhood or does this release us from our lease, freeing us to move where we choose? We live in Wisconsin, if that matters. The new owners of this building are not having us stay here. They are turning the building into something else. The current owners are FORCING us to MOVE to a building/apartment of THEIR choosing. My question is do we have to move where they want us to, or can we get our of our lease with them and move somewhere else?
4 weeks ago - 6 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
A lease survives a sale or foreclosure unless the new owner intends to occupy the unit.,Your landlady knew what she was planning when she rented to you and should not have put you in this position. I don't trust her and certainly wouldn't become involved with renting something else from her, The lease is tied to the unit you occupy-no others-which means the current one would need to be terminated and a new one drawn up..Ending that lease releases you from any obligation to her.I think the sale fringes on the building being empty which isn't your problem....Since you moved in recently--if she wants you out some $$ would be in order to compensate you...I would put up a fight on this one-i think a judge would up-hold your Lease since it is so new.As far as compensation---i would look for return of security-moving expenses-and a few months rent for a place of your liking before signing anything.
Source(s)
Landlord
by steveko777
4 weeks ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
The new owner has to abide with all the terms of your current lease....so no it doesn't void your lease. Leases are part of the property. What the new owners doing is illegal. If you want to stay you can. The only exception might be if the new owners are remodeling the building then it is possible for them to cause you to move to another building. Ask them to pay all of your moving expenses and a months free rent for your inconvenience.
by Glenn S- 4 weeks ago
I DONT KNOW.. I LIVE ON MY 3 ACHERS OF LAND..THAT I OWN... LET ME ASK MY SELF IM MY OWN LAND LORD... ONE MORE THING... IF THEY WANT YOU OUT BAD ENOUGH YES THEY WILL GET YOU OUT.. ITS LIKE EVACUATION TO TERMITES.. TALK TO THE LAND LORDS AND TENANTS BOARD
by Sam- 4 weeks ago
Most standard leases have a clause written in that the lease is terminated if the property is sold or destroyed by forces "beyond the owners control". I would dig up your lease and see what it says, but the short answer is "no", you don't have to move to another building or even to another apartment in the same building if you choose not to. She may just be trying to help you out so you aren't suddenly homeless.
by fishlakeguy- 4 weeks ago
In most states in the US if the seller sells your building and you have a lease, the lease has to be honored by the new owner or buyer. I would bet they can not force you out unless there is a clause that specifically states in the leases that it ends upon the sale of the property. And even if there is such a clause, rental laws are so tenant sided you could probably still contest it but you would need a lawyer at that point.
by Real Estate pro- 4 weeks ago
The law does not require that she tell you anything unless it was already up for sale the day you signed the lease. If it was already for sale then she needed to tell you. If it was already for sale and she did not tell you then she committed fraud and you can sue her for that. She CANNOT make you move to another unit! Your lease is for this unit and this unit alone. The new owners have no choice, they CANNOT do that! The lease goes with the property and they MUST honor it. That is the law! Both of these people need some education on landlord tenant laws!! They are breaking your lease, and if you do want to move someplace else you should be able to do so with out penalty. If they try to sue you then counter sue them. If you want to stay in this unit you have every right to. Refuse to leave and let them try to take you to court.
by Wildcat- 4 weeks ago