Selling a house is already complicated, and adding tenants into the mix can make the process even more challenging. If you’re wondering, “Can I sell my rental property with tenants in it?”, the short answer is yes, but you’ll need some planning and good communication to avoid legal headaches and keep things smooth with your tenants and potential buyers.
When you sell a rental property with existing tenants, you’ll encounter a couple of challenges. Tenant cooperation can be an issue, as you’ll need them to allow showings and maintain the property’s appearance. Moreover, timing and lease agreements may limit your flexibility, especially if tenants have long-term leases that don’t align with your desired closing date.
We talked to an experienced property investor and a top real estate agent to gather tips and tricks for navigating the challenges of selling an occupied rental property, along with its benefits and drawbacks
Can I sell a rental property with tenants living in it?
Yes, you can sell a rental property with tenants living in it.
Erik Jacobs, an Illinois circuit judge and former real estate attorney, has worked on numerous rental property sales. He estimates that 90% to 95% of the commercial transactions he handled involved tenants staying with the property.
The key determining factor is the type of rental agreement you’ve established with your tenants. There are two primary options: month-to-month agreements and fixed-term leases.
