What are the rights of a tenant in case of sale of the property?

The sale of a dwelling occupied by a tenant raises many questions. Whether for a residential lease or a commercial lease, the tenant benefits from specific legal protections that strictly govern the rights of the selling owner. This article answers essential questions to understand your rights and anticipate the steps.

The tenant's right of pre-emption: a purchase priority

When the owner wishes to sell the dwelling, the sitting tenant benefits from a right of preemption. This means that the owner must offer you the property as a priority before selling it to a third party. This right is governed by Article 15 of the law of July 6, 1989 for unfurnished rentals and by Article 10 of the same law for furnished rentals.

How is this right exercised?

The owner must notify you by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt or by bailiff's deed a document called 'notice to sell' or 'offer to sell'. This document must mention the sale price, the conditions of sale, and the deadlines to respond. You then have 2 months to accept or refuse the offer. If you accept, you become a priority to buy the property. If you refuse or do not respond, the owner can freely sell to a third party, but at the same price or a higher price.

Remaining in the premises after the sale

If the property is sold to a third party, the new owner becomes your landlord. Your rights remain protected: the current lease continues automatically, except for exceptions. The new owner cannot evict you without a valid reason (for example, for personal repossession or for sale, but only at the end of the lease and in compliance with legal deadlines).

Special case of commercial lease

For commercial premises, the sale of the property does not affect the commercial lease. The commercial tenant benefits from a right to renewal and reinforced protection. In case of sale, the new owner must respect the current lease. If you are faced with a complex situation, it is recommended to consult a avocat expert to secure your rights.

The obligations of the seller owner

The owner must comply with several obligations to protect the tenant:

• Preliminary information : you must be informed of the sale at least 6 months before the lease expires (for a residential lease) or according to the contract terms.
• Respect of notice period : if the owner wishes to sell for personal repossession, he must respect a notice period of 6 months (unfurnished rental) or 3 months (furnished rental).
• Eviction compensation : in the context of a commercial lease, if the owner refuses to renew the lease in order to sell, they must pay an eviction indemnity to the tenant.

What to do in case of a dispute?

Si vous estimez que vos droits ne sont pas respectés (par exemple, absence de congé pour vendre, offre de vente abusive, ou tentative d’expulsion sans motif), vous pouvez saisir le tribunal judiciaire. Il est essentiel de conserver tous les documents (bail, congé, correspondances) et de demander conseil à un avocat expert en droit immobilier.

Possible remedies

You can request the nullity of the sale if the right of pre-emption was not respected, or obtain damages for harm suffered. A lawyer will be able to assess your situation and assist you in the proceedings.

Conclusion: protect your rights with a lawyer

La vente d’un logement occupé est un processus complexe qui peut avoir des conséquences importantes sur votre situation locative. Que vous soyez locataire d’un logement d’habitation ou d’un local commercial, vos droits sont encadrés par la loi. Pour éviter les pièges et sécuriser votre position, n’hésitez pas à consulter un avocat expert en droit immobilier. Maître Cécile Zakine, avocate experte en droit immobilier et foncier, vous accompagne dans toutes vos démarches. Book an appointment today for a personalized consultation.

📅 Mis à jour le 20/08/2026 — Par Maître Cécile Zakine, avocate et Docteur en Droit à Antibes. ☎ 06 21 69 91 77.