A Landlord’s Guide to Understanding Your Options
Hints, Tips & Advice for Landlords
Information Guide – July 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to read this guide.
At Cito Cimo, we work with landlords who are exploring options for selling tenanted properties in Aberdeen and surrounding areas.
Selling a property with tenants in place can involve additional considerations compared with selling a vacant property. Understanding the process, preparing the correct information, and considering the needs of both landlords and tenants can help create a smoother experience.
This guide has been created to provide general educational information and practical considerations for landlords who may be thinking about selling a tenanted property.
It is not intended to provide legal, financial, tax, or professional advice. Landlords should seek appropriate advice based on their individual circumstances.
2. Quick Tips for Landlords Considering a Sale
Tip #1 — A Property May Be Sold With Tenants Remaining
A tenanted property can be sold without requiring tenants to leave before completion.
Where an existing tenancy continues, the buyer may take ownership subject to the existing tenancy arrangements. Landlords should consider the type of tenancy in place and obtain appropriate advice where required.
Tip #2 — Consider Tenant Rights and Communication
Selling a property with tenants requires consideration of tenant rights and responsibilities.
Landlords should communicate clearly with tenants and ensure that any access arrangements, inspections, surveys, or viewings are handled appropriately and in accordance with current legal requirements.
Tip #3 — Prepare Documents Early
Having key information available can help the sales process run more smoothly.
Useful documents may include:
- Tenancy agreement
- Deposit protection information
- Rental payment history
- Property compliance documents
- Energy performance information
- Relevant inspection or safety certificates
3. Why Landlords Consider Selling Tenanted Properties
Landlords choose to sell properties for many different reasons, including:
Time and Management Commitments
Managing repairs, maintenance, tenant communication, and compliance responsibilities can become more demanding over time.
Retirement or Simplifying Investments
Some landlords decide to reduce the size of their portfolio or simplify their financial commitments.
Financial Considerations
Changes in personal circumstances, financing arrangements, taxation, or investment priorities may influence decisions.
Portfolio Changes
Some landlords choose to sell certain properties to reinvest elsewhere or rebalance their investments.
Every landlord’s circumstances are different, and decisions should be based on individual objectives and professional advice where appropriate.
4. Considerations When Selling a Tenanted Property
Selling a property with tenants can involve different considerations compared with selling a vacant property.
| Consideration | Possible Impact |
| Rental income | Income may continue depending on the chosen sales approach |
| Tenant communication | Clear communication can help minimise disruption |
| Documentation | Good records can support buyer enquiries |
| Compliance | Required documents should be available |
| Marketing approach | Some buyers may specifically seek tenanted investments |
| Market conditions | Sale times and outcomes can vary |
With careful planning, many potential challenges can be managed effectively.
5. Possible Sale Routes
Option 1 — Investor-Focused Sale Arrangement
Some landlords may prefer a route designed around attracting property investors.
This approach may involve:
- Marketing the opportunity to interested investors
- Presenting tenancy and property information
- Allowing the existing tenancy arrangements to continue where appropriate
Potential considerations:
✔ May allow rental income to continue during the process
✔ May reduce disruption for tenants
✔ May provide an alternative to traditional open-market selling
The exact terms and outcomes will depend on the individual agreement and circumstances.
Option 2 — Direct Property Purchase
Some landlords may prefer to explore a direct purchase route.
This may involve:
- Selling the property without traditional open-market marketing
- The buyer purchasing based on available information and due diligence
- Existing tenants potentially remaining in place where appropriate
Potential considerations:
✔ May provide a more straightforward process
✔ May reduce some traditional selling steps
✔ Completion times vary depending on legal and practical requirements
6. Scotland – General Educational Overview
This section provides general information only and is not legal advice.
Tenancies and Property Sales
In Scotland, the sale of a property does not automatically mean an existing tenancy ends. The effect of a sale depends on the tenancy type, legal requirements, and individual circumstances.
Selling With or Without Vacant Possession
Some landlords choose to sell with tenants remaining, while others may seek vacant possession before completion.
Where vacant possession is required, landlords must follow the correct legal process and should obtain appropriate guidance before taking action.
Access During a Sale
Tenants have rights regarding occupation and privacy. Landlords should ensure that any access for inspections, surveys, or viewings is handled properly and with appropriate notice.
7. Practical Tips for a Smoother Sale
Communicate Clearly With Tenants
Keeping tenants informed and explaining the process can help maintain cooperation and reduce uncertainty.
Organise Documentation
Preparing relevant paperwork early can help answer buyer questions and support a smoother transaction.
Present the Property Clearly to Investors
Investor buyers often look for clear information about:
- Rental income
- Tenancy arrangements
- Property condition
- Compliance information
8. Choosing the Right Approach
Different sale routes suit different landlord priorities.
| Priority | Possible Approach |
| Looking for a simpler transaction | Direct purchase may be considered |
| Continuing rental income during the process | Investor-focused options may be suitable |
| Reducing disruption for tenants | Selling with tenants remaining may be considered |
| Exploring alternatives to traditional selling | Specialist investor routes may be worth exploring |
9. Next Steps
Before making a decision, landlords may wish to:
- Gather tenancy and property documents
- Review their objectives and timescales
- Consider professional advice where appropriate
- Discuss available options with a property specialist
10. Key Takeaways
- A tenanted property may be capable of being sold without tenants leaving.
- Existing tenancy arrangements should always be considered before making decisions.
- Good preparation and communication can help create a smoother process.
- Different sale routes may suit different landlord circumstances.
- Landlords should seek appropriate professional advice where required.
This guide is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace legal, financial, tax, or property-specific advice.
Cito Cimo Sourcing Limited 