Selling a let property under the Renters' Rights Act

Can a landlord use section 21 to sell?

Gov.uk possession guidance says landlords cannot use section 21 to seek possession. See section 21 abolition for that separate question.

What is Ground 1A?

Ground 1A covers a landlord seeking possession who intends to sell a freehold or leasehold interest in the home. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 inserted the ground into Housing Act 1988 Schedule 2.

Can the notice be served in the first 12 months?

Yes. The Ground 1A guidance permits service during the first 12 months. The restriction concerns expiry, not service. Checked on 23 Oct 2026.

Which form is the notice?

Serve Form 3A, or a form substantially to the like effect, on your tenants. State the ground and reasons. See the section 8 notice guide.

When does Ground 1A not apply?

The legacy assured tenancy exclusion is shown above.

For most grounds, deposit protection in a government-approved scheme is a condition. The possession guidance sets out alternative routes.

What evidence of an intention to sell is enough?

Gov.uk gives proof of instructing an estate agent as an example. That example is not an exclusive evidence test or a requirement to have a buyer already.

Can the home be let again if the sale falls through?

The restriction in the table applies after reliance on Ground 1 or 1A. If no notice was relied on, the alternative period is 12 months from filing the claim. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. Exceptions exist in section 16F and are not set out here.

Contravening section 16E(2) or (3) is an offence punishable by a fine on conviction. A council can impose a civil penalty instead under the Act's enforcement provisions.

Civil penalty amounts are outside this page. See fines and enforcement.

Does the sale itself end the tenancy?

Selling does not by itself give you possession: to get the home back you use Ground 1A. A new assured tenancy agreement cannot have an end date: see tenancy agreements.

Is the tenant owed compensation on Ground 1A?

This guide does not determine whether compensation is payable. Seek legal advice about your circumstances.

Who is covered if the landlord moves back in instead?

Ground 1 concerns the only or principal home of the landlord, their spouse or partner, parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild, including a child or grandchild of the relatives in paragraph (b). The same tenancy-age rule, notice period, Form 3A and re-letting restriction apply.