Viewings Access Letter
Viewings Access Letter
Request access for property sale viewings — professionally worded, legally compliant with the 24-hour written notice requirement
Legal Position on Access
Under the Renters' Rights Act, landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property. The tenant has the right to quiet enjoyment of their home and can refuse unreasonable access requests. You cannot force a tenant to allow viewings, but you can request them professionally and maintain a good working relationship. This letter is designed to do that.
When to Use This Letter
Use this letter when:
- You have decided to sell the property and wish to conduct viewings while the tenant is in occupation
- You need to give the tenant advance notice of proposed viewing dates and times
- You want to establish a professional, cooperative approach to viewings from the outset
Send this letter as early as possible — ideally before instructing an estate agent — so the tenant is not surprised by viewing requests and has time to raise any concerns.
Template Letter — Initial Notification of Sale and Viewing Request
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
[Tenant name(s)]
[Property address]
Re: Sale of [property address] — Viewing arrangements
Dear [tenant name(s)],
I am writing to let you know that I have decided to put [property address] on the market for sale. I wanted to inform you of this directly and as early as possible, and to discuss how we can manage viewings in a way that works for you.
I appreciate that having viewings take place while you are living in the property is an inconvenience, and I want to make this process as straightforward as possible for you. I am committed to giving you proper notice of all viewings and to working around your schedule wherever I can.
Notice of viewings
I will give you at least 24 hours' written notice before any viewing takes place, as required by law. I will contact you by [email / letter / text — choose one] for each viewing request.
Proposed viewing arrangements
I would like to propose the following general arrangements for viewings:
- Viewings to take place on [proposed days, e.g. weekday evenings and Saturday mornings]
- No more than [number, e.g. two] viewings per week unless agreed otherwise
- Viewings to last no longer than [e.g. 30 minutes] each
- You are welcome to be present during viewings or to leave the property — whichever you prefer
If these arrangements do not work for you, or if you have particular times that are not convenient, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate your preferences.
Your tenancy
I want to reassure you that the sale of the property does not automatically end your tenancy. Your tenancy agreement remains in force and your rights as a tenant are not affected by the sale. The new owner will take on the tenancy on the same terms.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I hope we can work together to make this process as smooth as possible.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Template Letter — Individual Viewing Request
Use this shorter letter for each individual viewing request, giving at least 24 hours' notice.
[Your name]
[Date]
Dear [tenant name(s)],
Re: Viewing request — [property address]
I am writing to give you notice of a proposed viewing at [property address].
Proposed viewing:
- Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Time: [e.g. 6:00pm to 6:30pm]
- Attending: [e.g. estate agent and prospective buyer]
Please let me know if this time is convenient. If it is not, please suggest an alternative and I will do my best to rearrange.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
If the Tenant Refuses Access
A tenant cannot be forced to allow viewings. If a tenant consistently refuses reasonable viewing requests, you have limited legal options during the tenancy. Your options are:
- Continue to request viewings professionally and document all requests and responses
- Consider whether the tenancy can be brought to an end before marketing (e.g. by agreement, or by serving a Section 8 notice on an appropriate ground if one exists)
- Market the property without internal viewings (external viewings only, or virtual tours)
- Accept that the property may need to be sold tenanted, which may affect the sale price and buyer pool
Do not attempt to enter the property for viewings without the tenant's consent. This would breach the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and could constitute harassment.
Related Resources
- Document Serving Record — record proof of service of each viewing notice
- Change of Landlord Notification Letter — notify the tenant when the sale completes
- Communication Log — record all viewing requests and responses
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.