Change of Landlord Notification Letter
Change of Landlord Notification Letter
Notify your tenant when you sell the property — practical guidance on the outgoing landlord's obligations and the new owner's statutory duty
Who Has the Legal Obligation?
The statutory obligation to notify the tenant of a change of landlord falls on the new owner (the buyer), not the outgoing landlord. Section 3 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires the new owner to give written notice to the tenant of the disposal and their name and address within two months of the disposal. The outgoing landlord's separate obligation under Section 48 LTA 1985 is to ensure the tenant has a written address in England or Wales for service of notices. This letter is sent by the outgoing landlord as a courtesy and practical necessity — it is not a substitute for the new owner's Section 3 obligation.
Why Send This Letter?
Even though the Section 3 obligation falls on the new owner, it is good practice for the outgoing landlord to write to the tenant on or shortly after completion. This:
- Maintains a professional relationship with the tenant through the transition
- Ensures the tenant knows who to contact for rent payments from the completion date
- Reduces the risk of rent being paid to the wrong person after completion
- Provides the tenant with the new landlord's contact details as early as possible
- Demonstrates that the outgoing landlord has fulfilled their Section 48 obligation by ensuring the tenant has an address for service
Template Letter — From Outgoing Landlord to Tenant on Completion
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date of completion]
[Tenant name(s)]
[Property address]
Re: Sale of [property address] — Change of landlord
Dear [tenant name(s)],
I am writing to inform you that the sale of [property address] completed on [date of completion]. The property has been transferred to the new owner, whose details are set out below.
New landlord details:
- Name: [New owner's full name or company name]
- Address for correspondence: [New owner's address in England or Wales]
- Phone: [New owner's phone number, if provided]
- Email: [New owner's email address, if provided]
Rent payments
With effect from [date], please make all future rent payments to [new owner's name] using the following bank details:
- Account name: [New owner's account name]
- Sort code: [Sort code]
- Account number: [Account number]
- Reference: [e.g. property address or tenant name]
Your tenancy
Your tenancy continues on exactly the same terms as before. The sale of the property does not change your rights as a tenant or the terms of your tenancy agreement. The new owner takes on the tenancy on the same terms and is bound by the same obligations as I was.
Your deposit
Your deposit of [£amount] is currently protected with [deposit scheme name], reference [reference number]. [The new owner will be taking over responsibility for the deposit / I have transferred the deposit to the new owner — delete as applicable.] You will receive separate confirmation of the deposit arrangements from [the deposit scheme / the new owner].
It has been a pleasure having you as a tenant. I wish you well, and I hope the transition to the new ownership is straightforward for you.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
The New Owner's Section 3 Obligation
The new owner must also write to the tenant to comply with their own Section 3 LTA 1985 obligation. Section 3 requires the new owner to give written notice to the tenant of:
- The fact of the disposal (the sale)
- The new owner's name and address
This notice must be given within two months of the disposal. If the new owner fails to give this notice, they commit a criminal offence (a summary offence under Section 3(3) LTA 1985). The outgoing landlord's letter above does not discharge the new owner's Section 3 obligation — the new owner must send their own notice.
If you are the new owner (the buyer), ensure you write to the tenant within two months of completion. The letter above can be adapted for this purpose.
The Deposit on Sale
The deposit position on sale requires careful handling:
- The deposit remains protected in the scheme until the tenancy ends
- The outgoing landlord should transfer the deposit (or the obligation to repay it) to the new owner as part of the conveyancing process
- The deposit scheme should be notified of the change of landlord
- The tenant should be informed of the new deposit holder's details
Take advice from your solicitor on the deposit transfer as part of the conveyancing process.
Related Resources
- Viewings Access Letter — request access for sale viewings before completion
- Document Serving Record — record proof of service of this letter
- Deposit Return Letter — if the deposit is being returned at the end of the tenancy
Disclaimer
Guidance only. Landlord Handbook provides practical information to help landlords understand their responsibilities. It is not legal or financial advice. Always check the latest GOV.UK guidance and seek professional advice where appropriate.