An Unwelcome Surprise

Dear Juris Doctor;

I recently received a letter from my landlord advising me the house I rent is now for sale and I have to make it available to be shown to prospective purchasers. Am I required to do so?

Thank you,  Clara from Club Cottages

Dear Clara;

First I suggest that you read your lease.  Most leases provide that a tenant must cooperate in showing the property to prospective purchasers and tenants.  Some leases only allow the showings in the last 30 days of the lease period. If you have no written lease you are still required to cooperate in showing the property.   Florida Statutes provide that a tenant must cooperate in showings after receiving reasonable notice from the landlord.  The courts have interpreted reasonable notice to be 24 hours in advance.

Tenants do not appreciate being advised, after their tenancy begins, that the home in which they reside is for sale and they must make the property available for showings.  I advise my clients, who are landlords, to disclose selling the property to tenants, if that is their intention during the lease period, so that the tenant is not surprised by the news.

Sincerely, J.D.

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