Hello,

I was wondering if someone can help. I signed a rental contract years ago with real estate X and in 2020 the landlord decided to ditch the real estate and deal directly with me. Later, we had agreed on a rent reduction, he sent a signed letter stating the reduction.
Recently, he sold the property, and the new real estate is now charging me the original rent.

I haven't signed any contract after the sale of the property though and the new real estate is sending me the bill as if nothing happened. I was wondering if this is even allowed. I know the signed letter may not have legal power but isn't there anything that I can do in my defense?

Have you spoken to the new owner? If yes what did they say? If no, why not?

It seems that they just took over the original contract.
If nobody informed them of the change, how would they know?

Yes you just tell the new people that they're mistaken and the rent had been reduced. I had a similar thing. It could be that the owner 'mis-sold' the property but I would guess it would be fine if the difference is small.

Thanks guys for the reply.

@Sigh, I did not speak to the owner directly, only with the new real estate agent. And yes, you're right about them just taking over the old contract.

@Landers, also agree. I assumed that the previous owner would have informed them about the reduction, but clearly that's not what happened.

Before posting here I did send the real estate the letter from the previous owner stating the reduction and I'm still waiting. I got a little anxious and wanted to ask around about this particular scenario to see what options I have if they say no to the reduction. But let's see what happens first.

Thanks again!

Sometimes the detail around raising of rent (for inflation etc.) is not in the direct contract but rather in the allgemeine terms and conditions of the rental company. Referred to in the direct contract.



It might be an idea to compare the general terms and conditions (should be available on their websites). If the wording is similar/the same you may then have a case.

In my case the previous tenant had agreed on a rent reduction and the new price became part of the contract.
Then I moved in.
Later the property was sold. I kept paying what I always paid, as written in the contract.

Hope this helps as reference.