UK Landlord Forum / Life

I wonder if anyone could help me figure out the best way to deal with this.... I have to give my tenants notice because i need to sell my property but i want to do it in a way where i can keep them onside with regards to selling the house. They have been very good tenants but i know the news that i want to sell will not be good news for them as they are very happy and settled, i worry that when i tell them i will be putting it on the market they may possibly become awkward about contact with an estate agent and allowing viewings to take place.
I feel the best way forward is to arrange a chat with my tenants explaining that i need to sell the property and why, trying to soften the blow by re assuring them that i do not intend to serve notice straight away but only once a firm offer has come in for the house. It is obviously difficult to anticipate the reaction and i don't want to aggravate them because they are good people but also as i would like them to cooperate so as to keep the rent coming in as long as possible.
Confusingly I have been advised by a mate and fellow landlord to serve the notice straight away and put the house on the market the following day to avoid any pitfalls. I appreciate this advice but worry that this may seem aggressive to my tenants and put their backs up and as a result they may make it difficult for viewings etc.
Any advice would be appreciated. cheers.

the fact is your friends may be right! your asking price wont be as good if there are people in there and like you say theres no way of knowing how they behave on viewings!  also whats their position? can they buy? have they ever hinted they might. sometimes its surprising when they find out? if you tell them and they get awkward then you will have to give them notice asap. if not you may be able to do it amicably. its a gamble but either way you have to ensure your mortgage is paid presumably? whats reason for selling-is it essential? ithink youve got to be straight with them or if they find out they will be more of a hindrance in the long run.