{"id":219134,"date":"2026-03-06T11:12:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T11:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hunters.com\/?p=219134"},"modified":"2026-03-06T11:12:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T11:12:08","slug":"hunters-guide-selling-with-tenants-in-place-landlord-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hunters.com\/guides\/landlord\/hunters-guide-selling-with-tenants-in-place-landlord-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Hunters\u2019 Guide: Selling with Tenants in Place \u2013 Landlord Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

The rental sector is entering a new legal landscape. The Renters\u2019 Rights reforms introduce significant changes to how landlords regain possession of their property, particularly when they plan to sell.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the biggest changes is the abolition of Section 21 \u201cno-fault\u201d evictions. Landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without a legal reason. Instead, they must rely on specific possession grounds under Section 8.<\/span><\/p>\n

For landlords planning to sell a property with tenants living in it, this means following a new process and serving notice correctly. Understanding the rules early can help avoid delays, legal challenges, or complications during a sale.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: <\/b>Pet-friendly tenancies: How the Renters\u2019 Rights Act 2025 changes the rules for landlords<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Can You Sell a Property With Tenants in Place?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Yes, landlords can still sell a property with tenants living there. In fact, many rental properties are sold with tenants in situ, particularly when the buyer is another landlord looking for an investment property with immediate rental income.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, if a buyer requires vacant possession, the landlord must serve notice using the correct legal ground and provide the required notice period before starting possession proceedings.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Ground for Selling a Property<\/b><\/h3>\n

Under the Renters\u2019 Rights reforms, landlords must rely on Ground 1A \u2013 intention to sell when seeking possession to sell their property.<\/span><\/p>\n

This ground allows landlords to regain possession if they genuinely intend to place the property on the market. Unlike Section 21, the landlord must show that selling the property is the genuine reason for ending the tenancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Importantly, landlords cannot use this ground within the first 12 months of a tenancy, giving tenants greater security during the early stages of their agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: <\/b>Section 13 notices explained: Timelines, evidence, and the most common mistakes that invalidate increases<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Landlord Checklist Before Serving Notice<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before serving notice under the selling ground, landlords should make sure they meet the basic legal requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n