How To Sell a Property with A Tenant Who Is Not Paying Rent to A Cash Buyer

Pezon Properties • September 22, 2023

The time has come to sell your tenant-occupied property. As a landlord, you care about your tenants and want to show them respect. Although the house they are living in is yours to sell, you always want to keep their best interest in mind throughout the sales process, as an angry tenant could slow down the selling process significantly. It is also important that you abide by the terms of the lease and do not violate any tenant agreements you have made.(1)


The truth is frustration, and financial loss result from a tenant who does not pay rent. But suppose you're ready to sell your home and move on, then a cash buyer might save the day by providing you with immediate dollars without the usual delays.


Fortunately, this article takes you through some strategies to help you sell your home, especially with tenants who aren't paying rent to a cash buyer.

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Know Your Legal Obligations or Rights 

Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a landlord is essential before you try to sell your home with a non-paying tenancy. If you violate tenant laws, you could face high fines, court fees, and possible harm to your reputation.


Here’s what you can do:

Seek The Advice of Counsel

If you need advice on landlord-tenant law, you should go to an attorney. They are well-versed in the ins and outs of state and local laws and can help you determine whether or not you are legally allowed to sell while the existing renter is still occupying the rental property

Carefully Review the Lease Before Signing It

Make sure you read your lease thoroughly. What occurs if you sell the property? Does that get addressed in the contract? The "early termination" or "sale of property" clauses in some leases specify the actions to be taken by each party and their respective rights in the case of a sale.


Remember that there can be significant discrepancies between the legislation of different states. Never change your living situation without first talking to an expert like Sell My House Fast Reading PA and reading your lease. A possible cash buyer will generally prefer a simple, legally compliant sale; thus, a thorough understanding of the applicable laws is prudent and attractive.

Adequately Prepare Your Property

Even if your renter is behind on rent, you should still take the time to get your property ready for sale. Maintaining a property well increases both its appeal and its worth. But how can you do it if a renter currently occupies the space?

Arrange Property Inspections and Viewings

Arrange viewings or inspections of the property for times when the renter will not be there. Potential buyers can view the home with fewer interruptions and fewer chances for uncomfortable small talk. Request your tenant to please keep the space clean. When tenants keep the rental unit in good condition, some property managers will reward them with a rent reduction.

Pay Attention to The Aesthetics of The Exterior

Your home's curb appeal is the first impression it will make on a buyer with cash in hand. Repairing damaged fences or maintaining the lawn can greatly impact a property's curb appeal. Adding fresh paint or plants to the front porch may make a house feel more like a home.

Find a Trustworthy Cash Buyer

Finding a cash buyer is essential if you're facing a difficult situation like a tenant who won't pay rent. There is a wide variety of cash buyers out there, and choosing the wrong one might worsen a bad situation.


Here's how to locate a trustworthy cash purchaser:


Do background research: Try to find reputable cash buyers. Verify the reputation by reading reviews or asking for references. A proven history of purchasing properties fast and easily bodes well.


See how secure their finances are: The objective of going with a cash buyer is to hasten the closing process. Ensure they have the cash to close the deal without waiting for funding elsewhere.


Evaluate how quickly they can work: Speed is essential when dealing with a renter who has stopped paying. The sooner the deal can be finalized, the quicker your existing financial issue can be resolved.

If you take the time to look around, you should find what you're looking for easily and quickly, resulting in a profitable transaction.

Provide a Buy-Back Program 

It may seem counterproductive to offer a rent-back option to a tenant who is delinquent on their payments. But for the proper kind of cash buyer, it might be an attractive option.


If you choose this option, the new owner will "rent" the property back to you for a set time, giving you more time to locate a new home and deal with the renter's eviction process legally and morally.



Specify the rent-back option's parameters in detail. Everything from the length of the lease to who pays for what in terms of utilities and repairs should be spelled out. This ensures that you are on the same page to avoid misunderstandings. 

Honest Admittance 

Honesty about any issues, such as a non-paying renter, is essential when selling a house. Trust with possible cash buyers can be bolstered by being completely transparent about the tenant's rent-related concerns, current legal actions, and the state of the property. 



Telling the truth can prevent future legal issues and make the process easier for everyone involved.

Legally Handle the Eviction 

If you find yourself in a situation where an eviction is unavoidable, adhere to all local regulations. 


A property sale could be delayed or even face legal consequences if you rush to enforce an eviction or make mistakes. To properly evict a renter while adhering to all applicable laws, it is recommended that you seek the advice of an attorney.

Conclusion

When money is tight, finding a cash buyer for a property occupied by a non-paying tenant might be a godsend. Always remember the importance of openness, legality, and locating a reliable cash buyer. Better yet, make it a habit to check in with real estate pros like sell my house fast Allentown PA whenever you need advice on making a rapid sale.

Give us a call anytime at 484-484-0971 or fill out this quick form to get started today!

Get A Fair Cash Offer On Your House

Mathew Pezon

About the author

Mathew Pezon

Mathew Pezon is the founder and CEO of Pezon Properties, a cash home buying company located in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. With several years of experience in the real estate industry, Mathew has become a specialist in helping homeowners sell their properties quickly and efficiently. He takes pride in providing a hassle-free, transparent, and fair home buying experience to his clients. Mathew is also an active member of his local community and is passionate about giving back. Through his company, he has contributed to various charities and causes.

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