I’m having serious issues getting my property back from a managing agent who took over a guaranteed rent lease originally signed with a housing association. The timeline is as follows:
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March 2021: I entered into a 5-year guaranteed rent lease with a housing association for my two-bed flat in South London. Rent was paid directly to me monthly.
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September 2023: I received a letter from a company called Meridian Property Partners stating they had ‘assumed management responsibilities’ for the property. No prior notice from the housing association. No assignment documentation provided to me.
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October 2023: I wrote to both the housing association and Meridian requesting copies of any assignment or novation agreement. The housing association did not respond. Meridian replied stating the transfer was ‘in accordance with clause 14 of the lease’ but did not provide any supporting documentation.
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March 2024 onwards: Rent payments became irregular. Some months paid two weeks late, some months short by £50 to £100 with no explanation.
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March 2026: The lease expired. I served notice on Meridian requesting vacant possession by 30 April 2026, sent by recorded delivery.
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April 2026: Meridian acknowledged the notice but stated a council-placed occupier was in the property and they needed ‘a reasonable period’ to arrange alternative accommodation.
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July 2026: The property remains occupied. Meridian have stopped responding to correspondence. I have instructed a solicitor who has sent a letter before action but I have been told court proceedings could take six months or more.
Has anyone been through something similar with a guaranteed rent lease that was transferred without proper documentation? I am particularly interested in whether the lack of a formal assignment means Meridian had no legal standing to place an occupier in the first place, and whether that changes the court timeline. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.