Hi all,
We are private tenants in England. We’ve lived in the property for around three years, but we signed a renewed fixed-term AST from September 2025 to 16 September 2026.
Our landlord is selling the property. The agent has been pushing for sales viewings, but the whole process has been stressful and badly handled. We both work full-time, so a lot of the viewing times they suggest simply do not work for us. We have tried to cooperate where possible, but they have also cancelled viewings without properly notifying us after we had rearranged our plans.
The situation has also started to seriously affect my partner’s health due to the stress and pressure around the viewings and the way this has been handled. She is now seeking medical advice, so we are considering pausing or heavily limiting viewings for the time being.
They have now served us a Section 21 notice dated 29 April 2026, requiring us to leave “after 16 September 2026”.
From what I understand about the Renters’ Rights Act transition, Section 21 notices served before 1 May 2026 can only be used to start possession proceedings up to the earlier of six months from service or 31 July 2026. I have also read that if the earliest date proceedings can start is on or after 1 August 2026, the notice cannot be used.
Does that mean this Section 21 is invalid/useless because the date they gave us is after 16 September 2026?
A few extra points:
- We have checked both tenants’ email inboxes and cannot find any How to Rent guide for this tenancy. We only found guides from previous properties. Would that also make the Section 21 invalid if they cannot prove it was served?
- We have not yet received the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. My understanding is that existing tenants must receive it by 31 May 2026. Is that correct, and what happens if they fail to provide it?
- Our tenancy agreement has a clause about allowing viewings for prospective purchasers, but given the way we feel we have been treated, the impact on our health, and our right to quiet enjoyment, can we refuse all viewings?
We are not trying to avoid our responsibilities, but we feel pressured and badly treated. We want to know what is actually legally enforceable and what is just the agent pushing us.
Thanks.