What Happens to Tenants When a Landlord Sells the Property in Wales?

If your landlord decides to sell a property you rent in Wales, you may feel uncertain about your rights and what comes next. As a renter, it’s important to know how the sale affects your tenancy, whether you can be asked to leave, and how official forms and notices work under Welsh housing law. This article explains your protections under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and related government guidance, making sure you can stay informed and confident during this process.

Do You Have to Move Out If Your Landlord Sells?

In Wales, your rights depend on the type of contract (what most people call a ‘tenancy’) you have:

• Occupation Contracts: Most renters in Wales now have a ‘standard occupation contract’ under recent law.
• Fixed Term: If your contract is for a set period (like 12 months) and within this term, the new owner must respect your contract until it ends, unless you agree otherwise.
• Periodic: If your contract runs month-to-month (or week-to-week), a landlord must still follow notice rules to end your contract.

Simply selling the property does not automatically end your right to remain. In most cases, the new owner becomes your landlord and inherits your contract’s obligations.

Notice and Eviction Rules When a Property Is Sold

For a landlord (including the new owner) to evict you in Wales, they must serve a valid written notice and follow legal procedure. The most common notice is called a Notice Seeking Possession.

Key Notice Types in Wales

• Section 173 Notice: Used by landlords to end a standard occupation contract without alleging a breach (‘no fault’). Must give you at least 6 months’ notice in most cases after the first six months of your occupation. View the official Section 173 notice template.
• Section 186 Notice: Used to end a periodic contract during the fixed term only if the contract allows. Otherwise, standard Section 173 rules apply.

Each notice must be served in writing and in the correct form, either by your landlord or their agent. If the correct process isn’t followed, the notice could be invalid.

Official Notice Form: Section 173

• Form Name: Notice to End a Standard Contract (Section 173)
• When and How Used: If a landlord (including a new owner) wants to end a standard occupation contract without a specific reason, they must use this official form and give at least 6 months’ notice. For example, if you are renting under a periodic contract and your landlord sells the property, the buyer could serve you a Section 173 notice.
• Download the Section 173 Notice

What Happens to Your Deposit?

If your property is sold and your deposit is protected in a government scheme, the landlord must ensure the deposit is transferred to the new landlord. You should receive new details about the scheme and any changes to your landlord’s contact information. The main schemes include:

• Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
• MyDeposits
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme

If deposit details are not updated, ask the new landlord or seek free tenant advice.

Your Rights to Remain and Receive Fair Treatment

Regardless of a sale, you have the right to:

• Be given proper written notice before eviction
• Stay in your home until the legal notice period ends and a court orders you to leave (if required)
• Have repairs and maintenance continue as before under your contract
• Be protected from unfair eviction under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

Generally, lawful eviction in Wales is overseen by the court system, and disputes can be referred to the Residential Property Tribunal if there is a problem with the process.

What Should You Do If You Receive a Notice?

• Read the notice carefully and check which type it is (such as Section 173)
• Verify the notice period is at least six months, with no mistakes in your details
• Contact your new landlord or agent for written confirmation of new arrangements
• Seek advice early from tenant services if you believe the notice is not valid

If you dispute the notice, you may have grounds to challenge it in court or with the tribunal.

FAQ: Tenant Rights When a Property Is Sold in Wales

1. Can the new owner make me sign a new contract right away?
   No, the new landlord usually takes over your existing contract. You cannot be forced to sign a new agreement unless you wish to.
2. What if I am in the middle of a fixed-term contract?
   Your contract remains valid until the agreed end date. The new owner becomes your landlord and must honour the contract, unless a break clause exists and is correctly used.
3. How much notice must I be given to leave?
   Most tenants must receive at least 6 months’ notice with a Section 173 notice. Different rules apply for alleged breaches, but these must also follow legal guidelines.
4. Will selling the property affect my deposit protection?
   Your deposit must remain securely protected by a government scheme. The new landlord should provide you with updated scheme details in writing.
5. Who can help if I am unsure whether the process was fair?
   You can contact your local council’s housing team, Rent Smart Wales, or seek advice from Citizens Advice for further guidance and advocacy.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• The sale of your rented home in Wales does not automatically end your right to stay; official notice and proper legal process are always required.
• Your deposit must remain protected, and the new landlord must respect your contract’s terms.
• If in doubt, seek early advice from trusted government or tenant services to protect your home and rights.

By understanding these rules, you can feel better equipped and less anxious if your landlord chooses to sell the property you rent.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Renting Homes Guidance
• Rent Smart Wales – Licensing, training, and support for tenants and landlords
• Residential Property Tribunal (Wales) – For disputes over notices and tenancy rights
• Citizens Advice Wales – Housing
• Your local council’s housing team – Find details on the Welsh Government website

---

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Welsh Government Renting Homes Guidance
3. Deposit Protection Schemes—Government Guidance
4. Section 173 Notice—Welsh Government
5. Residential Property Tribunal (Wales)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation