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Red-brick townhouses. Photo for illustration. Photo from Pexels.
You can switch a rental to serviced accommodation, but not by evicting a tenant to do it. Since 1 May 2026, there is no possession ground for converting to short stays. If you use the sale or move-in grounds, you cannot re-let the home, even as serviced accommodation, for 12 months.
This is a general guide, not legal advicePossession rules are strict and penalties are serious. Take legal advice before ending any tenancy.
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Can you evict a tenant to run serviced accommodation?
No. Since 1 May 2026, landlords in England need a legal ground to end a tenancy, and wanting to switch to short stays or serviced accommodation is not one of them.
If you use the ground for selling or for moving in, you cannot let or market the home for 12 months. Shelter and other sources say that includes holiday and short lets, and breaching it can lead to a fine reported at up to £40,000. See Shelter’s guidance on the sale and move-in grounds.
What is the safe way to switch?
The safe way is to switch when the home becomes vacant without you ending the tenancy for that purpose, such as when a tenant chooses to leave.
- Wait for a natural vacancy. A tenant can leave with two months’ notice at any time.
- Do not pressure the tenant. Any surrender must be genuine and voluntary.
- Get consents. Mortgage, lease, insurance and any planning position.
- Prepare the home. Safety checks, furnishing and set-up.
- Go live. Run it yourself, through a manager or on guaranteed rent.
Plan the switch for when the home is vacant. Photo from Pexels.
How should you plan the switch?
Plan the switch so you are ready when the home is vacant, which keeps the empty period short.
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Read our guides to serviced accommodation mortgages and short lets versus long lets.
How can Esho Stays help when a home becomes vacant?
When a home is vacant and the consents are in place, Esho Stays can take it on under a company lease and prepare it for guests.
- Esho Stays becomes your tenant under a company lease
- Rent is paid in full every month, even if the property is empty
- We list the home across major booking platforms and our direct network of more than 30 companies
- We handle bookings, guest screening, communication, cleaning and maintenance
- Regular inspections, with cleaning between every stay
- A landlord dashboard showing upcoming bookings and performance
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the sale ground and then run serviced accommodation?
No. If you use the ground for selling, you cannot re-let or market the home for 12 months, and sources say that includes short lets and serviced accommodation. Breaching the ban is reported to carry fines of up to £40,000.
Can I offer my tenant money to leave?
A tenant can choose to leave by agreement, but any surrender must be genuine and free from pressure or harassment. Take legal advice before making any offer, as getting this wrong can lead to serious penalties.
Do these rules apply to company lets?
The Renters’ Rights Act tenancy rules mainly apply to assured tenancies held by individuals. A company let is generally governed by its own terms. If your property is currently let to individuals, their tenancy rules apply until the tenancy ends.
How long does it take to switch once the home is empty?
Once a home is vacant and consents are in place, preparing it for serviced accommodation usually takes a few weeks, covering safety checks, furnishing and photography. Lining up an operator in advance shortens the gap.
Next step
Expecting a vacancy?
Tell us about your property, and we will explain how we could take it on once it is empty.
