“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
Thinking about selling a rental property in Spokane that still has tenants living in it? You’re not alone. Whether you’re an accidental landlord or just ready to cash out, selling a house with occupants comes with unique challenges—and a few surprising options.
In this post, we’ll break down your rights and responsibilities under Washington landlord-tenant law, what buyers look for, and how to sell a tenant-occupied property without losing your mind.
Can I Sell a Rental Property With a Tenant in It?
Yes. In Spokane and throughout Washington, you are legally allowed to sell a house while tenants are still living there. But your path depends on the type of lease in place:
- Month-to-month lease: You can generally terminate the lease with proper notice.
- Fixed-term lease (e.g., 1-year lease): The tenant has the right to remain until the lease expires—unless you sell to another landlord who will honor it.
What Does Washington Law Say?
Under Washington state landlord-tenant law, if a lease is still active:
- The tenant has the right to stay for the duration of their lease term, even if the property is sold.
- If they’re on a month-to-month agreement, you must give at least 60 days’ notice if you’re planning to terminate the tenancy for purposes of sale.
Here’s the official Spokane landlord-tenant resource, in case you want to dive deeper.
3 Common Scenarios for Selling With Tenants
Let’s look at what usually happens when someone tries to sell a rental in Spokane:
🏠 1. Selling to Another Investor
This is the smoothest route. If the tenant is stable and paying rent, another landlord may buy the property and keep them in place. The lease simply transfers to the new owner.
✅ No need to evict
✅ Keeps rental income flowing
✅ Minimal disruption
🧾 2. Offering Cash for Keys
If you’re selling to a buyer who doesn’t want tenants, you can offer your tenant a cash incentive to vacate early. This is known as “cash for keys.”
It’s perfectly legal and often cheaper (and less stressful) than going through an eviction process.
⚖️ 3. Termination With Proper Notice
If your tenant is on a month-to-month agreement, you can provide a written 60-day notice if you plan to sell the property.
Important: You can’t just say “I’m selling” and hope they leave. The notice must follow Washington legal requirements.
Can a Buyer Force the Tenant Out?
Nope. If a tenant has a valid lease, that lease survives the sale. The new owner becomes their landlord.
That’s why most buyers of tenant-occupied homes in Spokane are other investors—like us at REI Branded Home Buyer—who understand the laws and don’t require vacant possession.
What If the Tenant Is Behind on Rent?
This is where it gets tricky. If a tenant is non-paying, has damaged the property, or is violating the lease, it may trigger a legal eviction process. Be prepared for delays and extra legal steps. Many Spokane landlords in this situation turn to us to take the property off their hands as-is—including problem tenants.
How We Help Landlords in Spokane
We buy properties all over the Spokane area—even ones with tenants. Whether you have a lease in place, a squatter issue, or you just want a clean break, we’re here to make it simple.
We’ve helped landlords in Logan, University District, and North Spokane sell rental houses with:
- Active tenants
- Month-to-month renters
- Problematic occupants
- Eviction-prepped situations
You don’t have to go it alone—and you don’t have to be a landlord forever.
Want a Cash Offer on Your Tenant-Occupied House?
Whether your property is rented out, needs repairs, or is sitting vacant with squatters—we’re interested. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we make it easy to sell your Spokane rental without the headaches.
📞 Call 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
📍 Contact us today
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a real estate attorney or housing authority for matters involving tenants or evictions.
Sell Your Spokane House Fast Today
About REI Branded Home Buyer
Real People. Real Stories. Real Solutions. We’re George and TJ — two regular guys who teamed up to create REI Branded Home Buyer, a local company with one simple mission: to help people sell their homes without stress, games, or pressure. We actually met at a local real estate meetup. A mutual friend randomly shouted, “Hey George, do you want to be this guy’s mentor?” George laughed and said, “Just give him my cell!” A coffee meeting later, and the rest is history. We've been working together ever since. Our passion for helping homeowners comes from personal experience. George was once homeless, so he deeply understands what it’s like to face housing uncertainty. TJ’s family went through a crisis and had to sell their home fast — with the help of a cash homebuyer. Those experiences shaped who we are and inspired us to create a company that treats people the way we wish we’d been treated. Let’s be real: the real estate world is full of shady companies, pushy salespeople, and sleazy homebuyers who care more about profit than people. We started REI Branded Home Buyer because we believe it should be the other way around — people first, profit second. We’re proud to call Spokane home. Our wives, Jenny and Michelle, love the slower pace of life here and all the outdoor beauty Washington has to offer. George and Jenny have two amazing daughters and two dogs — they love to travel and recently visited Japan to see their daughter abroad. TJ and Michelle are outdoor lovers through and through — backpacking, hiking, hunting, fishing, even rock climbing. Michelle’s become quite the mountaineer! If you’re thinking about selling a house — no matter the reason — we’d love to hear your story and see how we can help.