How to Sell a Rental Property With Tenants in Washington State

Sell a House With Tenants in Washington State

“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”

Selling a rental property in Washington can be straightforward—or a legal headache—depending on one big factor: Do you have tenants living in the home? If the answer is yes, you’ll need to follow state laws carefully to avoid delays, disputes, or even lawsuits.

At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve worked with dozens of landlords who needed to sell a house with tenants still living inside. Whether you’re in Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, or Wenatchee, here’s what you need to know to do it right.


Can You Sell a House With Tenants Still Living in It?

Yes, absolutely. But in Washington, tenants have rights—even during a sale.

Selling with tenants in place means:

  • You’ll need to honor the lease agreement
  • You must give proper notice before showings or entry
  • You cannot evict just because you want to sell (unless under specific legal terms)

If the lease is month-to-month, the process is easier. If the tenant has a long-term lease, things get more complex.


Options for Selling With Tenants

You have a few choices:

1. Wait Until the Lease Ends

This is the simplest route if you’re not in a rush. Let the lease expire, then sell the property vacant. Just be sure to give proper notice as required by Washington law (typically 60 days for month-to-month tenants).

2. Sell With the Tenants in Place

Some buyers—especially investors—are totally fine purchasing a home with tenants. If the renters are reliable and paying, this could actually help your sale.

We’ve helped landlords in Spokane and Kennewick do just that.

3. Offer Cash for Keys

Want to speed things up? Some sellers negotiate with tenants to leave early in exchange for cash. It’s called a “cash for keys” deal and can be a win-win if handled with respect and clarity.


Real Story: Selling a Duplex With Tenants in Spokane

A landlord in North Spokane contacted us about selling a duplex. One unit had a lease, and the other was month-to-month. The seller didn’t want to wait 6 months to list.

We stepped in, reviewed the leases, and bought the property with tenants in place. The seller avoided the hassle of eviction or showings, and the tenants stayed in their homes. Everyone won.


Why Sell to REI Branded Home Buyer?

When you’re dealing with tenants, time is money—and stress. We’re a local, experienced cash buyer that understands Washington landlord-tenant laws and how to navigate:

  • Tenant communication
  • Lease review
  • Title complications
  • Inherited or problem properties

We buy as-is, with or without tenants, and we close fast.


Can You Sell a Property With Problem Tenants?

Yes, but it’s trickier. If you’re dealing with:

  • Late rent
  • Lease violations
  • Refusal to leave

We can still make you an offer. Depending on your situation, we may close after legal proceedings or assist with alternative solutions.


Talk to Us Before You List

Not sure if you can legally sell? Have questions about lease terms or tenant cooperation?

We’ll walk you through it—no pressure, no obligations.

📞 Call 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🔗 Contact us online


Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a real estate attorney for guidance on tenant rights and landlord obligations in your specific city or county.

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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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