“You absolutely can sell a rental property with tenants in Washington.”
Are you a landlord in Spokane ready to sell your rental property—but still have tenants living inside? You’re not alone. This situation is more common than you think, and yes—you absolutely can sell a rental property with tenants in Washington.
In fact, at REI Branded Home Buyer, we buy tenant-occupied properties all the time across Spokane Valley, North Spokane, South Hill, and beyond.
Let’s break down what you need to know, what your legal rights are, and how to navigate the process without unnecessary headaches.
Option 1: Sell With the Tenant in Place
If your tenant has a lease—especially a long-term one—you can still sell the home with the tenant in place. The lease simply transfers to the new owner. This can even be a selling point if the tenant is reliable and paying market rent.
Benefits:
- Keep collecting rent until closing
- No need to relocate the tenant
- Appealing to investors looking for income property
Challenge:
- Limits your buyer pool (mostly investors, not homeowners)
- You may need to offer a discounted price to reflect tenant impact
Option 2: Wait Until Lease Ends
If the tenant is on a month-to-month agreement, Washington law (RCW 59.18.200) requires a 60-day written notice if you intend to sell and have them vacate. Once they move out, you can sell the property vacant, opening it up to more buyers, including owner-occupants.
Option 3: Offer Cash for Keys
If your tenant is unwilling to move—even after proper notice—consider offering “cash for keys.” This is a win-win tactic where you offer money in exchange for a voluntary move-out by a specific date. We’ve seen it work well in places like Cheney, Logan, and Garland District.
Option 4: Eviction as a Last Resort
If the tenant violates the lease, you may be able to serve a 10-day Notice to Comply or Vacate, or begin an unlawful detainer process through the courts. This should always be your last resort, as it can take time and become costly. For legal specifics, refer to:
Sell to a Cash Buyer Who Handles Tenants
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’re experienced in tenant-occupied transactions. We’ll:
- Review the lease
- Speak directly with the tenant (if needed)
- Close on your schedule
- Buy as-is—no repairs, no drama
You can walk away with a clean break and your money in hand, without being the bad guy or navigating legal minefields.
Fast Facts: Selling Rentals With Tenants
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I sell with a tenant in place? | Yes, lease transfers to buyer |
| What if tenant is month-to-month? | Give 60-day notice to vacate |
| Can I evict for sale purposes? | Only for legal reasons, not just sale |
| What’s the fastest way to sell? | Sell to a cash buyer who handles tenants |
Real Story From Spokane
One of our clients owned a duplex near Downtown Spokane with long-term tenants—one of whom hadn’t paid rent in three months. Rather than go through a lengthy eviction, they sold the property to us. We handled the situation, closed fast, and helped them avoid months of legal stress.
Ready to sell your Spokane rental property with tenants?
📞 Call us today at 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
📝 Or contact us online
We’ll give you a fair cash offer and take it from there.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney regarding your specific landlord-tenant situation in Washington state.
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.