What Can I Do If My Landlord Sells My Rented Home?

If your landlord decides to sell the property you’re renting, it can feel unsettling, and you might not be sure what steps to take next. The good news is that, as a tenant in the UK, you have certain rights that protect you during this transition. 

While the sale of the property does not automatically end your tenancy, it can raise questions about your future living situation, rent payments, and what happens to your deposit. Understanding your legal rights and knowing how to navigate the situation can help you feel more secure and prepared. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps to take when your landlord sells your rented home, from understanding your rights to knowing where to seek help.

What Are My Rights and What Happens to My Tenancy Agreement?

If your landlord decides to sell the property you’re renting, you might feel uncertain about what this means for you. However, it’s important to know that selling a rental property does not automatically end your tenancy, and you still have legal rights as a tenant. In most cases, the new owner will take over as your landlord and must follow the existing terms of your tenancy agreement. 

Whether you’re on a fixed-term contract or a rolling tenancy, the law provides protections to ensure you’re not unfairly evicted or forced to move out without proper notice. Understanding your rights and what happens next can help you navigate this situation with confidence.

Fixed-Term Tenancy: If you have a fixed-term tenancy (e.g., a 12-month Assured Shorthold Tenancy), the new owner becomes your landlord under the same terms. You have the right to stay in the property until the end of your contract, they cannot force you to leave before your contract ends unless they follow the correct eviction process (e.g., issuing a Section 8 or Section 21 notice where applicable).

Periodic (Rolling) Tenancy: If you're on a periodic tenancy, the new landlord can issue notice to end your tenancy, but they must provide the correct notice period—usually at least two months via a Section 21 notice.

The sale of the property does not automatically end your tenancy. You have the right to remain in the home until your tenancy legally ends, and your rent must still be paid as usual.

Do I Still Have to Pay Rent and What Happens to My Deposit?

Yes, you must continue paying rent as usual, even if your landlord is selling the property. The sale does not change your legal obligation to pay rent, and your tenancy agreement remains in place until it is formally ended through the correct legal process. 

In most cases, the new owner simply takes over as your landlord and must honour the existing terms of your tenancy. However, many tenants worry about what happens to their deposit when ownership changes. Since deposits are legally required to be protected in a government-approved scheme, they should remain safe during the transition, but it’s always a good idea to check the status of your deposit and understand your rights.

• If Your Deposit Is in a Government-Approved Scheme: Your deposit should remain protected under the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, or Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). When the new landlord takes over, they should update the scheme with their details.
• If Your Deposit Was Held by the Landlord: If your landlord managed the deposit personally (which is less common), they must transfer it to the new owner, who then takes responsibility for returning it at the end of your tenancy.
• Check Your Deposit Status: You can check if your deposit is still protected by contacting the relevant deposit scheme or using the government’s tenancy deposit checker.

If you’re worried about your deposit being mishandled during the sale, keep records of all payments and communicate with both the current and new landlords to confirm the deposit transfer. Would you like guidance on how to dispute any deposit issues?

What Changes Can a New Landlord Make?

When a new landlord takes over your tenancy, they must follow the terms of your existing agreement and cannot make immediate changes without your consent or proper legal notice. However, over time, they may introduce changes that could affect your tenancy.

Rent Increases: A new landlord cannot raise your rent during a fixed-term tenancy unless your contract includes a rent review clause. If you’re on a periodic (rolling) tenancy, they can propose a rent increase but must give at least one month’s notice and ensure the increase is fair and in line with market rates.

Changes to Your Tenancy Agreement: The new landlord cannot change the terms of your tenancy (such as deposit amounts, notice periods, or maintenance responsibilities) unless both parties agree. If you sign a new contract, read it carefully before agreeing to any changes.

Eviction & Notice Periods: The new landlord cannot evict you without following legal procedures. If they want you to leave, they must serve a valid Section 21 notice (for no-fault evictions) or Section 8 notice (if there is a legal reason, such as rent arrears), both of which come with specific notice periods.

Repairs & Maintenance Responsibilities: The new landlord takes on all legal responsibilities for repairs and safety checks, including gas, electricity, and general maintenance. They must continue to meet these obligations, just like your previous landlord.

Where Can I Get Help and How Should I Prepare?

If you're facing the sale of your rented home, it's important to understand your rights and take proactive steps to ensure you are protected throughout the process.

To prepare for the potential sale of your rented home, it’s important to first review your tenancy agreement so you fully understand your rights and responsibilities, particularly regarding rent, notice periods, and what happens if the property is sold. Keep a detailed record of all communication with your current and new landlord, especially if any changes are proposed to your tenancy or rent. 

Stay informed about your legal rights as a tenant, as this will help you identify any unfair practices or violations. While you may not be asked to move, it’s wise to start planning just in case, by researching alternative rental properties and understanding your options should you need to relocate. Finally, seek advice early from organisations like Citizens Advice or Shelter if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, so you can make well-informed decisions and protect your rights.

If you need help navigating the situation, there are several resources available to support you:

Citizens Advice: Offers free, confidential advice on housing rights, including what to do when your landlord sells the property. They can guide you on tenancy laws, dispute resolution, and how to handle issues with your new landlord.

Shelter: A national charity providing expert advice on housing, including tenancy disputes, eviction, and your rights when a landlord sells. They have a helpline and online resources to support tenants.

Tenancy Relations Officers: Many local councils have officers who specialise in housing issues. They can offer advice and help resolve disputes between tenants and landlords.

Legal Advice Services: For more complex situations, you may want to consult a solicitor with experience in housing law. Some offer free consultations or operate on a "no win, no fee" basis.

In conclusion, if your landlord decides to sell the property you're renting, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. While your rental agreement often remains in effect, there are key actions to take, such as understanding the terms of notice, cooperating with showings, and ensuring the new owner honours the agreement. Communication is crucial, and if you're uncertain about any aspects of the situation, seeking legal advice can provide clarity. Remember, even though a change in ownership can be unsettling, it's possible to navigate the transition smoothly with the right knowledge and proactive steps.