Appointing a receiver: their impact on private tenants

Earlier this year, Christopher McGrath, solicitor with Housing Rights Service, considered the increasing use of receivers and the impact on private tenants.

During the property boom a large number of investment properties were purchased. These were subsequently rented out by the property owners. Many of these properties were purchased using buy to let mortgages. However, the economic downturn has resulted in many owners finding it difficult to meet their mortgage liabilities. This has direct consequences for tenants in these properties. Lenders may appoint a Receiver to realise debts secured on the property. Receivers will generally have broad powers to realise assets such as the sale of the property and the power to collect rent.

The uncertainty for tenants

When a Receiver is appointed it can be a time of uncertainty for tenants.  Many questions might be asked, such as:

• Should I continue to pay rent?
• Should I pay rent to landlord or the receiver?
• Will I be able to stay on in the property?
• Will I be able to get repairs carried out?
• What about my deposit when I move out?

Find out how to answer the tenants questions

To consider these issues Housing Rights Service will be facilitating a seminar with Katharine Kimber, a partner in TLT who has a wealth of expertise in the role of receivers on 5th September 2014.

Katharine specialises in contentious landlord and tenant matters and represents a range of financial institutions and receivers with regard to fixed charge receiver appointments and sales. During the seminar Katharine will explore key areas including:

• The appointment of a receiver
• Different types of receiver
• The role of receiver
• Identifying authorised tenants
• Powers of and duties of receivers
• Outlining the role of the receiver with regard to rental payments/disrepair/notice to quit.

You can book your place at this seminar online or by contacting Geraldine.