I lost my home to Wells Fargo (foreclosure) and had to file for bankruptcy due to far, far more problems than you note - but I dealt with it because the tenants were my best friend's parents, and they practically raised me. Are these tenants paying rent? I do know a little bit about UK law. I think there is more to this than you are saying. The tenants should certainly pay rent and leave after being given notice you are selling - but you're not exactly blameless nor do you deserve extra consideration nor sympathy. This is a life problem and part of being a landlord.