The sale of homes with tenants is becoming increasingly common, but it can also raise questions for renters. If you've been informed that your home is going to be sold, it's important to know your rights and act prudently. The Urban Leases Law (LAU) clearly regulates these cases in Article 14.
First, rest assured: your rental agreement remains valid. The new landlord assumes the obligations of the previous one, so they cannot change the terms. You will continue paying the same rent and enjoying the same agreed-upon term. Only the person to whom you pay the rent will change.
If your contract is less than five years old—or seven if the landlord is a company—the buyer is legally obligated to honor it. If it is registered with the Property Registry, the protection extends to the entire agreed-upon term, even if it exceeds those years.
An important point is the right of first refusal: the tenant has the right to purchase the property under the same conditions offered to third parties, unless they have expressly waived this right in the contract.
At Immosegur, we recommend that tenants review their contract before making any decisions. Check if it is registered, if the right of first refusal is included, and what the exact term is. And above all, stay calm: the change of ownership does not affect your rights as long as the contract is within its legal term.
We also advise landlords to be clear and provide written notification of the sale, including the price, terms, and new bank account details for payments. Transparent communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings and protecting the contractual relationship.
Knowing the law is the best way to ensure a stress-free sale. With the right information and advice, both landlords and tenants can guarantee a smooth and conflict-free transition.