Can You Sell a House With a Tenant in Washington?

Sell a House With Tenants in Washington State

“Work With Pros Who Care”

Got a rental property you want to sell, but there’s still a tenant living in it? Whether they’re great renters or a total nightmare, the question stands: Can you sell a house with a tenant inside?

In Washington — yes, you absolutely can.

At REI Branded Home Buyer, we buy tenant-occupied properties all over the state. Whether it’s a month-to-month lease, a long-term contract, or even a problematic tenant — we’ll take it off your hands, no repairs or headaches required.


Your Rights as a Landlord

Washington’s landlord-tenant laws are strict, especially post-pandemic. But as a property owner, you still have options. Here’s what you need to know:

  • You can sell your property while it’s rented
  • You cannot force a tenant to leave unless the lease allows it or they’ve violated the terms
  • You must honor the existing lease — or negotiate a buyout

If you’re on a month-to-month rental agreement, you may be able to serve a Notice to Vacate, but timing and rules vary by city and county.


What Buyers Expect

Most retail buyers want a vacant home, unless they’re investors. Tenants can complicate showings, inspections, and closing timelines.

That’s why many landlords choose to sell to a cash buyer like us — no showings, no conflict, and we keep the tenant in place (or handle the transition ourselves).


Real Story: Tenant in Tacoma

We helped a seller in Tacoma who had a tenant that stopped paying rent but refused to leave. The eviction process was dragging out. We made a cash offer, closed quickly, and handled the tenant situation ourselves through legal channels — while the seller walked away clean.


Fast Facts: Selling With Tenants in WA

  • You must disclose tenancy status to buyers
  • A lease may transfer to the buyer or trigger early termination
  • You can sell a property with a tenant in place
  • You cannot forcibly remove tenants for a sale

We Buy Tenant-Occupied Properties As-Is

At REI Branded Home Buyer, we:

  • Buy homes with tenants — even bad ones
  • Close with or without access to the property
  • Handle all tenant communications post-sale
  • Keep you protected and out of the drama

📞 Call or text 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
💻 Or contact us here

We’ve helped landlords sell homes in Pierce, Skagit, King, and Wahkiakum Counties — no matter what’s going on inside.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always review Washington’s Landlord-Tenant Act or consult with an attorney before terminating a lease or dealing with tenant disputes.

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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.

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