Updating post from Reddit.
To be brief there is a tenant whose contract was renewed in December 2024. We want to sell the property at the end of the tenancy so we will need to give notice. They’ve been great tenants to we’d like to give them the best chance at finding a new home. Looking at the rules we can’t give notice in the first 6 months and we have to give them 6 months notice to leave. Is there any way to give them notice to leave now ready for December or would we have to wait until half way through the tenancy (6 months living there, 6 months notice)??
We called Rent Smart Wales and they were useless. Just refer to the website we were told.
Any help would be appreciated.
Just tell them informally
"Hey - I wanted to let you know we're planning to sell the property at the end of this year.
We'll send you a formal notice 6 months before then as required, but I wanted to give you extra notice as you've been great tenants and it seemed like the right thing to do.
You don't need to leave before then, but please plan around us selling the house at the end of that tenancy period"
Great!!! Thank you
You can always tell them that you will give formal notice as soon as you can.
Thanks. Is there a rule that says that for instance we’ve affected their enjoyment of the property by speaking to them about an eviction in the first six months or words to that effect? They’ve been good tenants but once eviction is mentioned I wonder if it could turn things sour.
Tenants know the tenancy can end. If it’s in the spirit of giving them extra notice, saying they’re great tenants but you want to sell, I think they should actually appreciate it.
I know of no rule that you can’t do that.
Quiet enjoyment means don’t hassle them. This is not hassling.
Great answer. Thank you!
Nothing to stop you just telling them informally in advance when you’ll possession of the property, if you want to, and then issue formal notice later.
So there’s no clause to say that we’ve “ruined their enjoyment of the property” or similar by telling them even informally do you think?
No, you’re overthinking it.
Cheers. That’s a relief
You can give them a friendly notice that you wish to sell the property at the end of the fixed term and that you are informing them of this well in advance so they can plan accordingly
Great!!! Thanks
Have you tried talking to your tenants? They might want to buy the property, if not they would still appreciate being informed. If you are flexible and they agree to leave they could do so when most able to, not in December.
We found out our rented house was being sold when a photographer contacted us to arrange photos. Things didn't go much better for tenant or landlord after that.
No we haven’t spoken to them yet. We’re concerned that even mentioning the E word could be considered as hindering their enjoyment of the property and triggering some compensation clause or something. Although we can’t find any evidence that even exists.
We’re selling to a family member so we wouldn’t offer it to them.
We’d like to give as much notice as possible to avoid any issues like you experienced but we’re just being cautious.
At least they won't have to put up with viewings and estate agents, that was the real interruption of quiet enjoyment. Getting a section 21 notice in some respects was a relief because of the certainty of it.
Moving house is a massive pain in the arse, and really expensive! Do they have the money for a deposit on a new house? How much notice do they have to give you? Will they be expected to pay for an overlap in rent on two houses? Even organising a viewing on a new place can be stressful.
Some things that you could consider offering them:
Great ideas. Thank you