Our client moved into a home in Weston,Florida. The walk through was held yesterday,everything was great. The tenant was happy and it appeared the landlord was as well.
As I started to leave, I asked the agent about the lock box on the home and when it will be removed.The agent was confused and asked me why does it have to be removed when the home was still "For Sale".
When a tenant signs a lease and takes possession of a home,they don`t have to show the home. That`s why they`re paying rent to the landlord,we explained.
The agent was concerned they wouldn`t be able to sell the home if the tenant didn`t allow potential buyers in.
The conversation is as follows:
Me: The lock box has to be removed, the tenants now live here. You can keep the listing on the MLS, but you need to seek permission from the tenant when you show the home, they have a lease!
Confused Agent: What do you mean? We can keep the lock box on and still show the home. We don`t need permission to show the house!
Me: Really? So what`s the purpose of the tenant paying rent to the landlord? Why does the tenant have to allow you to show the home. They live here! That defeats the whole purpose of rent!
Confused Agent: My seller wants to sell the home,we`ll keep the lock box on the house and show it when we need to.
Me:I strongly suggest you and the seller speak to your Broker. If the lock box isn`t taken off immediately, the tenant will file a complaint. haven`t you heard of "Landlord/Tenant" rights?
It`s hard to understand why anyone would believe the tenant is going to allow someone to show their place of residence when they`re paying $2100 per month. This isn`t charity!
The landlord has a right to sell their home, but the lease needs to carry over to the new owner.
The purpose of paying rent,doesn`t give the landlord the privilege to walk in on the tenant any time they please. You can`t have your cake and eat it too! Maybe this agent will understand this when the tenant files a complaint.
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Published by Scott Daniels on October 1, 2007 06:18 AM
