My landlord is selling the property. Must I leave?

What the Law Says

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets out your rights when your landlord sells the property you rent. The law makes clear that a change in ownership does not automatically end your tenancy.

If you are renting under a valid tenancy agreement — whether fixed-term or periodic (e.g., month-to-month) — the sale of the property does not terminate your tenancy. The new owner steps into the shoes of the previous landlord and must honour all terms of your existing tenancy.

Your landlord (or the new owner) can only ask you to leave by serving a proper notice to quit, and only on grounds permitted by law — such as rent arrears, breach of tenancy obligations, or for the landlord’s own use (subject to strict conditions). Simply selling the property is not a lawful ground for ending your tenancy.

The length of notice required depends on your tenancy type and how long you’ve lived there. For example, for a periodic tenancy of over 6 months’ duration, at least 6 months’ notice is generally required — unless a shorter period applies under specific circumstances.

Statutory Text

Where a dwelling is let under a tenancy and the interest of the landlord in the dwelling is transferred to another person, the tenancy shall continue in favour of that other person as if that person were the landlord under the tenancy.

— Residential Tenancies Act 2004, s. 34 — Effect of transfer of landlord's interest

What to Do

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