Can I Sell My Property With Tenants?
Yes. A tenanted property can be sold with the tenancy continuing, which is one of the main reasons landlords come to us rather than an estate agent. The tenancy transfers with the property and the tenants keep the same rights they had before, so there is no notice to serve, no void period and no loss of rent while the sale progresses.
Open market buyers are usually owner occupiers, which is why agents often push for vacant possession first. Selling to a buyer who wants the tenancy in place avoids that entirely, and avoids the awkward position of asking tenants to leave a home they have done nothing wrong in.
Your tenants should be told about the sale and, on completion, given the new landlord's details and the position on their deposit. We handle the landlord side of that with you.
- The tenancy continues on the same terms after completion
- Rent keeps coming in right up to the completion date
- No notice to serve and no void period
- Deposit and tenancy paperwork transfers as part of the sale
Do I Need My Tenant to Leave Before I Sell?
Not if you sell to a buyer who is happy to take the tenancy on. Vacant possession is only necessary where the buyer, or their lender, requires the property empty.
Where vacant possession genuinely is needed, it must be achieved lawfully. Under a private residential tenancy that means using one of the statutory grounds, giving the correct notice, and applying to the First-tier Tribunal if the tenant does not leave. It takes time and the outcome is not guaranteed, which is a good reason to consider selling with the tenancy in place instead. Take your own legal advice before serving any notice.