Section 21 & 13 Explained for London Landlords

Are you a landlord in London thinking about selling your tenanted property?

Whether you’re looking to increase rent legally before a sale or regain vacant possession, understanding Section 21 and Section 13 of the Housing Act is essential.

But more importantly — understanding the law is just one part. What you need is a team of experts who can:

Serve notices correctly and legally

Handle your tenants with professionalism

Get your property sold quickly — with cash buyers on standby

At LondonEstateAgency.co.uk, that’s precisely what we do.

What is Section 21 – and When Should Landlords Use It?

Section 21 is the “no-fault eviction process, allowing landlords to regain possession of a property without providing a reason.

It’s typically used when you want to:

Sell the property with vacant possession

End a tenancy after the fixed term

Regain control for refurbishment or change of use

To serve a valid Section 21 notice, you MUST:

Give tenants at least 2 months’ notice

Use Form 6A

Have issued:

An up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

A valid Gas Safety Certificate

The latest How to Rent Guide

Have protected the tenant’s deposit in an approved scheme

Ensure your property has the correct licences if required

💡 Get this wrong, and the entire notice becomes invalid.

We offer in-house legal compliance checks before any notice is served — saving you from costly delays.

Using Section 13 to Increase Rent Legally Before Selling

If you’re looking to boost your rental yield before selling — or simply align rent with the current market rate — Section 13 is your tool.

It allows landlords to increase rent on a periodic tenancy, provided:

You give 1 month’s notice

You use Form 4

The new rent reflects fair market value

We help landlords:

Review local rental values

Draft and serve compliant notices

Avoid tribunal disputes with clear, well-evidenced increases

🏠 A higher rental income means a higher property valuation.

We help you position your property for maximum sale price with minimum tenant friction.

Sell With Tenants or Get Vacant Possession?

This is the question every landlord faces — and it makes or breaks your exit strategy.

Selling with Sitting Tenants

Appeals to buy-to-let investors

There is no need to wait for tenants to vacate

Maintains rental income during the sale

This may result in a slightly lower sale price due to a limited buyer pool

Good news: We have a private list of cash buyers seeking tenanted properties in London. If you want a quick, off-market sale — we can match you instantly.

🔓 Selling with Vacant Possession

Ideal for buyers who want to live in or refurbish

Opens sale to residential and investor markets

Can increase the property’s value

Requires valid Section 21 notice served with the correct notice period

📞 Let us handle the legal notice, tenant communications, and timed sale process so you get a clean exit — with no legal risks.

Why London Landlords Trust Us to Sell Their Properties

We’re not a generalist agency at London Estate Agency — we’re landlord specialists.

Our team manages end-to-end solutions for landlords who want to:

Exit the rental market

Sell one or more properties

Navigate the legalities of tenant notices

Maximise returns and stay compliant

What we offer:

📄 Section 21 & 13 Notice Service – Fully compliant and legally sound

🧑‍⚖️ In-House Legal Support – No third parties, no delays

💰 Pre-screened Cash Buyers – Ready to complete in weeks, not months

🛠️ Tenant Transition Support – We handle all tenant dialogue for you

📈 Rent Reviews & Market Valuations – Ensure your sale price is accurate and justified

🔐 Rent Protection & Tenant Screening – For landlords who want safety until the day of sale

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my property with tenants in place?

Yes — and it’s often quicker if marketed to investors. We have cash buyers who specialise in this.

Is it better to evict tenants before selling?

It depends on your goals. Vacant possession can raise your sale price, but it takes longer. We help you weigh both options based on your timeline and finances.

How do I serve a Section 21 notice correctly?

It must be served with supporting documents in the correct format and proof of delivery. Let us handle this to avoid invalid notices and court issues.

Can I increase the rent before selling?

Yes — through a Section 13 notice. We’ll help you review local rents and serve the notice legally, boosting your property’s income (and value).

What if my tenant doesn’t leave?

We work with legal teams who handle possession cases if required. But in most cases, professional communication avoids escalation.

Do you offer off-market sales?

Yes. Many of our landlords prefer quiet, no-hassle sales to our list of trusted investors, avoiding public listings and viewings.

Take the Next Step: Free Sale Strategy Call

Selling your rental property isn’t just about putting it on the market. It’s about:

Timing the notice correctly

Choosing the right sale strategy

Staying legally compliant

Maximising your return

📞 Book a free consultation now at LondonEstateAgency.co.uk

We’ll assess your situation, handle the notices, and connect you with buyers — fast.

Don’t risk legal delays or low offers. Let our expert team guide your exit strategy, protect your interests, and sell your property correctly.