“You Don’t Have to Deal With the Stress”
Selling a house with tenants already living in it can be challenging—but it becomes even trickier when the tenant refuses to leave. If you’re trying to sell a property in Spokane, Washington and your tenant won’t move out, don’t panic. You have legal options and practical solutions to get the deal done.
Let’s walk through what happens in Washington state when a tenant won’t leave a property that’s being sold—and how to resolve the situation.
Can You Sell a Property With a Tenant Still Living There?
Yes. You can legally sell your Spokane home even if the tenant hasn’t moved out yet. The key is understanding the type of lease in place and how Washington law protects both landlords and tenants.
- If the tenant is month-to-month, you must give 60 days’ written notice to terminate tenancy (per RCW 59.18.200).
- If the tenant has a fixed-term lease, they have the right to stay until the lease expires—unless they violate its terms.
- If the property is sold with the tenant in place, the new owner must honor the lease unless negotiated otherwise.
Why a Tenant Might Refuse to Leave
We’ve worked with landlords across Garland District, Logan, and South Hill who faced this exact issue. Common reasons include:
- The tenant doesn’t have another place to go
- The tenant is angry or feels blindsided
- Miscommunication between the landlord and tenant
- Fear of rising rents in Spokane’s competitive housing market
Your Legal Rights as a Landlord in Washington
Washington law is very specific about landlord-tenant relationships. If your tenant is refusing to leave even after receiving proper notice, here’s what you can do:
- Cash for Keys: Offer a financial incentive to encourage the tenant to leave voluntarily. This can often be faster and cheaper than formal eviction.
- Serve Notice to Vacate: For month-to-month tenants, you must give 60 days’ written notice. For lease violations (like non-payment of rent), you may issue a 10-day Notice to Comply or Vacate.
- Begin the Eviction Process: If the tenant refuses to leave after legal notice, you may need to file an unlawful detainer action. This is handled through Spokane County Superior Court.
For local laws and resources, refer to:
Selling to a Cash Buyer Can Solve This Problem Fast
One of the easiest ways to avoid tenant headaches is to sell directly to a cash buyer who’s experienced in tenant-occupied property. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we purchase homes with tenants still in place, and we work directly with them to resolve lease issues after closing.
This takes the burden off you, avoids drawn-out legal action, and ensures you get paid fast. We’ve bought properties in Downtown Spokane, Hillyard, and Cheney where tenants refused to leave—and we made it work.
Fast Facts: When Tenants Refuse to Leave
| Issue | Option |
|---|---|
| Tenant is on lease | Buyer must honor lease or negotiate exit |
| Tenant is month-to-month | 60-day notice required |
| Tenant refuses to go | Offer cash for keys or begin legal eviction |
| Need to sell fast | Work with a cash buyer who handles it |
You Don’t Have to Deal With the Stress
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we understand the frustration of trying to sell a home while juggling an uncooperative tenant. That’s why we specialize in buying as-is properties—including those with complex lease situations or legal barriers.
You can skip the court filings, skip the stress, and sell your house fast for cash—tenant drama and all.
📞 Call us at 509-769-3439
📧 Email us at info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
📍 Contact us online
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney before taking action related to tenants or property law 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.