Understanding Your Rights: Landlord Obligations When Selling with a Sitting Tenant
When managing property as a landlord, the intricacies of selling a property with a sitting tenant in occupancy can prove to be quite formidable. Striking a balance between the desire to sell and the legal entitlements of the tenant is paramount to ensure a seamless and lawful transaction. In this discourse, we delve into the responsibilities that landlords bear when selling property with a tenant in situ, shedding light on the entitlements of both parties involved.
What Constitutes a Sitting Tenant?
A sitting tenant denotes an occupant who persists in inhabiting a property subsequent to its transfer of ownership to a new landlord. This scenario frequently arises when a landlord elects to vend a property while a tenant continues to reside therein under a valid tenancy agreement.
Requisite Notifications
One of the fundamental duties incumbent upon landlords when selling with a sitting tenant is the provision of appropriate notifications. Depending on the nature of the tenancy agreement in force, varying notification periods may be requisite. For assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), landlords are obligated to serve a Section 21 notification, affording the tenant at least two months’ notice. However, it is imperative to ensure the correct service of the notification, as any inaccuracies could render it null and void, potentially impeding the sale process.
Entitlements of the Tenant
Whilst landlords may possess the prerogative to vend their property, sitting tenants are also afforded legal safeguards. Pursuant to the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, tenants retain the right to remain in situ until the culmination of their tenancy agreement, notwithstanding any alteration in property ownership. This signifies that the new landlord will assume the extant tenancy agreement and must adhere to its stipulations until its expiry.
Tenant’s Precedence Right
In certain instances, sitting tenants may also lay claim to precedence rights when their landlord elects to vend the property. This entitlement typically pertains to properties categorised as ‘protected’ or ‘regulated’ pursuant to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. Should the landlord intend to sell such a property, they are obligated to extend an offer to the sitting tenant before commencing marketing to other potential purchasers. Failure to observe this obligation could precipitate legal ramifications, including the tenant’s capacity to contest the sale.
Obligations of the Landlord During the Sale Process
Throughout the process of the sale, landlords must discharge certain obligations to ensure compliance with legal requisites and foster an amicable rapport with the sitting tenant. This encompasses the provision of adequate notification, observance of the tenant’s entitlement to peaceful enjoyment of the property, and dissemination of information to the tenant concerning any developments pertinent to the sale.
Ramifications for Prospective Purchasers
Individuals considering the acquisition of a property with a sitting tenant should be cognisant of the legal commitments and potential hurdles inherent in such a transaction. Thorough due diligence is imperative, encompassing a review of the terms delineated in the extant tenancy agreement and an assessment of the tenant’s entitlements. Furthermore, prospective purchasers should factor in the implications of inheriting a sitting tenant, such as constraints on possession and potential disputes.
The sale of a property with a sitting tenant necessitates meticulous consideration of the rights and duties of both landlords and tenants. By apprehending the legal framework underpinning such transactions, landlords can navigate the process adeptly whilst honouring the rights of their tenants. Transparent communication, adherence to notification requisites, and compliance with legal duties are imperative to ensuring a seamless and lawful sale process. Whether you find yourself in the role of a landlord seeking to vend your property or a prospective purchaser contemplating an acquisition, awareness of these obligations is pivotal for the attainment of a successful transaction.
