Letting out a property is not a ‘passive’ way to make money.
There is a lot of work involved and many laws to understand.
For example, before selling a house with tenants, you must give them the right amount of notice.
Let’s look at how long this notice period is and what conditions it includes.
Can I sell a house with sitting tenants?
Yes, you can sell your house with tenants still living there.
However, there are processes you need to follow to respect their rights. For example, you should:
- Give tenants advance notice that you are selling the property
- Give at least 24 hours notice before every viewing
Who can you a house with tenants to?
Selling a house with tenants on the open market can be difficult.
Most buyers want to live in the home they purchase. So, vacant properties almost always sell for more money than properties with tenants.
However, property investors and cash-buying companies are more likely to be interested in tenanted properties. You could contact them directly or sell to them at a property auction.
On the other hand, some buyers view sitting tenants as a good thing (provided they aren’t troublesome).
This is because it gives them an instant income, saving time searching for tenants.
Giving a reason for evicting tenants
Generally, you must provide a valid reason for terminating a tenancy early.
Notices could previously be categorised as Section 8 or Section 21 notices. The latter could include simply the your desire to end the tenancy.
However, since the Renters Rights Act came into effect in October 2025, things have changed. Landlords can only end tenancies now if they sell the property or don’t rent it out for the following 12 months.
Tell your tenant that you’re selling
You must inform your tenant that you are selling the house.
This will typically be done by letter or email so both parties have it in writing.
Some landlords even offer their renters first refusal on the property, although this is not mandatory.
If you want to sell your house without any tenants in situ (but you have no right to evict them), offering them a financial incentive could help.
This can give them the time and money to find a new place, enabling you to sell for a significantly higher price (because your property is now empty).
However, your tenant has the right to refuse this offer.
Can I carry out viewings with sitting tenants?
Yes, although your tenants must be informed at least 24 hours before any viewings take place.
You must be at the property for all showings.
As the landlord, you are entitled to a copy of your property’s key. But you cannot give the keys to a prospective buyer and allow them to walk around freely.
What am I allowed to do with a problem tenant?
If your tenant violates your contract’s agreement, you can serve them with an eviction notice.
This should clearly explain why they are being evicted and outline when they must move out.
If the tenant has not moved out by the date they are legally required to do so, you could call the police, and that individual may then be forcibly removed.
You will need to prove that the renter no longer has a right to be there, though. A court order might be required for this.
Do I need to tell a new buyer that the tenant is problematic?
If you sell a property with a ‘problem tenant’ in situ, you must tell the new buyer about the situation.
Hiding any of these details could be considered a deliberate deception, ultimately impacting the sum they offered for the house. You may, therefore, be liable for damages.
Do landlords have to pay council tax when a property is empty?
Landlords almost always must pay council tax when a property is empty.
Some exemptions to council tax for landlords exist.
For example, for properties deemed unlivable need serious structural repairs.
Or when a recently inherited property remains unoccupied, a six-month grace period often exists.
What’s the fastest way to sell a tenanted property?
If you want to sell a house with tenants in it, the fastest way to do it is by going straight to We Buy Any Home.
We will buy your house in any condition, regardless of your tenant’s contract or whether they are problematic.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation offer on your tenanted home.
