Piotr's Story: When a Notice to Sell Wasn't What It Seemed
Piotr rented a two-bedroom house in Cork for three years. He'd built a life there—got to know his neighbours, made the place his own, and felt secure. Then one Tuesday morning, his landlord handed him a notice to quit. The reason given was clear: the property was being sold. Piotr had 90 days to leave.
But something didn't sit right with him. Two days later, he was scrolling through a property website and spotted his own house. It was listed for rent, not for sale. There was no sale listing anywhere. The landlord was actively marketing it to find a new tenant, not preparing it for a buyer.
Piotr realised he'd been given a notice under false pretences. The law allows landlords to end tenancies when they genuinely intend to sell, but this wasn't that situation. He sought legal advice and his suspicions were confirmed—the notice was invalid because the stated reason was false. The landlord had used the "sale" ground dishonestly to try to remove him.
A solicitor helped Piotr challenge the notice. When presented with evidence of the rental listing and the absence of any sale activity, the matter was resolved. The notice was found to be unlawful, and Piotr's tenancy remained secure. The landlord's attempt to end his tenancy on false grounds had failed.
What the Law Says
In Ireland, a landlord can issue a notice to quit if they intend to sell the property, but the notice must be given in good faith and for the genuine reason stated. If a landlord issues a notice citing a sale but has no real intention to sell—or is instead marketing the property for rent—the notice is unlawful. Tenants have the right to challenge such notices, and the courts can set them aside if the stated reason is false or the landlord hasn't acted honestly. This protection prevents landlords from misusing grounds for eviction.
Time Limits
If you receive a notice to quit, you must act quickly. You have a limited window to challenge it legally. The longer you wait, the weaker your position becomes. Seek legal advice as soon as you receive a notice—don't assume it's valid just because it's in writing. Most notices must be challenged within specific timeframes set by law, and these deadlines are strict.