By Brenda Duke
This past February I faced a situation that is all too familiar in our environment of precarious housing and homelessness. After fourteen years living in my home with a more than affordable rent, my landlord decided to sell.
I was aware of my rights as a tenant and knew that I didn’t have to leave. “Your landlord might want to evict you if they’re trying to sell your place. This is a legal reason for eviction only if the buyer, the buyer’s close family member or a caregiver wants to move in. If so, the landlord must first give you a written notice”. They didn’t.
I was prepared to accommodate the listing and viewing schedules and I knew that “Generally speaking, your tenancy will continue while the property is for sale and even after it is sold, as long as the new owner chooses to leave the rental property as is and not move into it themselves. The new owner will then become the new landlord and will have the same rights that the previous landlord did.” But most buyers want vacant possession.
Was I prepared to live with that uncertainty? No. Was I prepared to leave the neighbourhood and the community that had become such a huge part of my life? No. Circumstances worked in my favour and it seemed like the universe wasn’t ready for me to leave either. Or maybe, as my friend said there was a guardian angel watching out for me.
I found a home; on the same street, in my community, and close to the gardens I care for that I could afford with some positive perks; a longtime friend to share with and company. Not everyone is so lucky.
If you face the same situation, Google is your friend. Research your options, call groups like Acorn, take advantage of free legal advice options. Don’t give up. Maybe with some luck, some knowledge and the advice of good friends, you can have options.
Its early days yet, adjustments to be made but for now and the next two years, I have a stable home with an understanding and cooperative landlord.
