Landlord selling your home?
This guide is for private assured tenants.
From 1 May 2026 most renters have this tenancy type.
Check your tenancy type if you need to.
If your home is sold to a new landlord
Your tenancy does not end if your home is sold to new owners while you still live there.
It only ends if the new owner takes the right legal steps to end it.
If the new owner tells you to leave
Your new landlord cannot just tell you to leave, even if they bought the property to live in.
Their solicitor will have told them that you live there.
They must give you a legal notice if they or a family member want to move in.
You can agree to go, but you can stay until you're legally evicted.
Make sure you have a place to move to before you agree to leave.
If you leave when you have a right to stay, your council might not help you find longer term housing if you become homeless.
Letter template: What to tell your new landlord
Copy this template into an email or message to your new landlord.
[Use the subject: My tenancy]
As you are aware, I am a tenant at [your address].
My tenancy started on [date]. It was agreed with [name of your old landlord].
On [date] you asked me to leave.
You have not legally ended my tenancy.
I will stay here until my tenancy ends legally.
My tenancy continues on the same terms as before the property was sold.
Please let me know your full name, address and contact details.
You can also send it as an email attachment or by post.
Word template: Property sold and asked to leave by new landlord (docx 16kb)
OpenDocument template: Property sold and asked to leave by new landlord (odt 9 kb)
It is an illegal eviction if your new landlord or agent forces you to leave.
Should you get a new tenancy agreement?
Your new landlord might ask you to sign a new tenancy agreement.
You do not have to unless you want to.
Your tenancy stays the same, even with a new owner.
For example, the amount of rent you pay stays the same. Your landlord must take the right steps if they want to increase your rent.
If you sign a new contract, it replaces your old one.
Find out what to check in a tenancy agreement.
Letter template: If you're told to sign a new agreement
Copy this template into an email or message to your new landlord.
[Use the subject: My tenancy]
As you are aware, I am a tenant at [your address].
My tenancy started on [date]. It was agreed with [name of your old landlord].
On [date] you asked me to sign a new tenancy agreement following the sale of the property.
I do not wish to sign a new agreement. My tenancy continues on the same terms even though the property has been sold.
Please let me know your full name, address and contact details.
You can also send it as an email attachment or by post.
Word template: Property sold and asked to sign new agreement (docx 16kb)
OpenDocument template: Property sold and asked to sign new agreement (odt 9kb)
Your new landlord's responsibilities
Your new landlord should tell you:
their name and address
the date they became the legal owner of your home
They have 2 months from buying your home to give you these details.
Repairs
Your new landlord is responsible for repairs as soon as your home is sold. This applies even if your old landlord caused the problems.
Deposit
Your new landlord must make sure your deposit stays protected in a scheme.
They must send you details about the scheme it is in.
Find out what happens with your deposit if your landlord changes.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
