landlord sells house while you are leasing

[nycamaras]

Can your landlord sell the house you are leasing? We have a lease until June 2006 and the real estate agent wants to know if she can show the house! Says that she can sell it if the new buyer still honors our lease. Is this true? Can we make them wait until we are moved out? Help!

Thanks!

[BronxRenter]

Yes they can sell the house.

New LL must honor your existing lease and place your security deposit into escrow.

Real estate people must be given reasonable access, ie business or other convenient hours (while you are home) NOT carte blanche.

Get yourself one of those chain locks, so no one can walk in on you.

[Downtown]

Set the ground rules right away and let broker know that this will be shut off if violated.
If you don't plan on being present then make sure that valuables are locked away.
I am assuming that you have proof of deposit paid...if not get it. This will assure that new owner can't claim that no deposit existed. Lease and deposit valid whether new owner or old.