If you own a rental property in Stoke-on-Trent and still have tenants living in it, you may be wondering whether selling is even possible. Many landlords assume they must evict tenants or wait for a tenancy to end before they can sell.

In reality, you can sell a house with tenants still living in it — and in some cases, it can be the most straightforward option.

What does “tenants in situ” mean?

“Tenants in situ” simply means the tenants remain in the property when it is sold. The buyer takes over the property with the existing tenancy agreement in place.

This is common in Stoke-on-Trent, particularly with:

• Buy-to-let terraced houses
• Ex-local authority properties
• Long-term tenants who don’t want to move

Can you legally sell with tenants in place?

Yes. As the property owner, you have the right to sell at any time. The key point is that the tenant’s rights remain protected.

This means:

• The tenancy agreement continues
• The tenant does not have to move out
• The new owner becomes the landlord

Selling does not automatically end the tenancy.

Why selling with tenants can be easier

For many landlords in Stoke-on-Trent, selling with tenants still in place avoids several common problems:

• No eviction process
• No vacant period with no rental income
• No refurbishment required
• No disruption for tenants

This can save time, money, and stress — especially if you’re looking to exit the rental market.

Who buys properties with tenants in situ?

Traditional buyers often want vacant possession, which can limit your options. However, cash buyers and investors are often actively looking for properties with tenants already in place.

They value:

• Immediate rental income
• Established tenancies
• Known rental history

This makes selling with tenants in situ particularly attractive to experienced buyers.

You can find more information about selling as a landlord on our dedicated page below:

👉 https://www.jeffriespropertybuyers.co.uk/services/accidental-landlord-landlord-portfolios

What about notice and evictions?

If you plan to sell with vacant possession, you would normally need to:

• Serve the correct notice
• Wait for the notice period to expire
• Potentially go through court proceedings

In Stoke-on-Trent, this process can take months, and there’s no guarantee of a quick outcome.

Selling with tenants in place avoids this entirely.

How does the sale process work?

Selling a tenanted property in Stoke-on-Trent usually follows a similar process to any other sale, with a few additions:

1. Property details and tenancy information are reviewed
2. A cash offer is made
3. Solicitors handle the legal work
4. Tenancy agreements are transferred
5. Completion takes place

You can see how a direct sale works on our residential home buying page, which explains the overall process clearly.

👉 https://www.jeffriespropertybuyers.co.uk/we-buy/residential

When does selling with tenants make sense?

This route is often suitable if:

• You no longer want to be a landlord
• Rising costs are affecting profitability
• The property needs work
• You want a clean exit without delays

Many landlords in Stoke-on-Trent are choosing to sell for these reasons.

Final thoughts

Selling a house with tenants still living in it in Stoke-on-Trent is not only possible — in many cases, it’s the simplest and least disruptive option.

Understanding your rights, your tenants’ rights, and the available sale routes allows you to make a decision that works for everyone involved.

‍