AIBU to ask if we can stay in our rented home?

7 replies

itsme50 · 04/08/2026 14:22

Not sure what to do here.

We live in a rented house. The landlord informed us he was selling, then told us we could stay until November because even if he sold the house everything probably wouldn't go through until then.

Now he wants us out by September 4th.

Do we have any rights?

OP posts:

DelphiniumBlue · 04/08/2026 14:31

Yes you have rights. If he has given you formal written notice, then get advice from Shelter as to its validity. Or look it up here.
As far as I can see you are entitled to 4 months notice. That means proper written notice under sec.8, not just a casual conversation.

Renters Rights Act: private tenants - Shelter England

The Renters' Rights Act brought in big changes for private tenants from 1 May 2026. Find out about changes to tenancy agreements, rent increases and eviction.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/renters_rights_act_changes_for_private_renters#section-8-eviction-notices

vincettenoir · 04/08/2026 15:19

How much notice does notice your tenancy agreement say he should give you?

professionalcommentreader · 04/08/2026 15:29

Where are you, different rules depending where you are in the UK

Original poster

itsme50 · 04/08/2026 15:29

vincettenoir · 04/08/2026 15:19

How much notice does notice your tenancy agreement say he should give you?

One month. He sent us a text and said if we need extra time that's fine. So, we based our decision around being able to stay until November if we needed to. Now, it's September.

OP posts:

Mac56 · 04/08/2026 15:36

itsme50 · 04/08/2026 15:29

One month. He sent us a text and said if we need extra time that's fine. So, we based our decision around being able to stay until November if we needed to. Now, it's September.

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We are in the same situation. that the landlord wants to sell. Under the new renters reform they have to serve you with a section 8 1a and then they legally have to give you 4 months notice.
We signed a 3 year tenancy agreement last year, its null and void under the new act.

KayFabe · 04/08/2026 15:49

He's chancing his arm trying to give you only 1 month's notice. Since May, he's required to give you 4 months notice. He will know this.
Does he keep your deposit in a scheme?

LandlordDilemma · 04/08/2026 16:13

There are new rules your landlord has to follow, it doesn't matter what your contract says it has been superceded by the renters rights act this summer, a previous poster has detailed the correct form & timeframe.
Oh & a text has never been an acceptable method of notification - notice needs to be in writing & can only be through an email if your contact allows for this

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