“Why Work With REI Branded Home Buyer?”
If you’re thinking about selling your Spokane rental property, but your tenants are still living there, you’re probably wondering: What rights do they have? Can you ask them to move? Do they have to let in buyers for showings?
Let’s break it down—no legal jargon, just real answers.
Do Tenants Have to Move When You Sell?
Nope. Just because you’re selling doesn’t mean tenants are automatically required to leave. In Washington (and especially in Spokane), tenant rights are protected by law, even when a landlord decides to sell.
There are different rules depending on your tenant’s lease type:
- Month-to-Month Tenants: You typically need to give 60–90 days’ notice, depending on the reason for ending the lease.
- Fixed-Term Lease: If your tenant has a lease that hasn’t expired, the new owner must honor it—unless you and the tenant agree to early termination.
Spokane Tenant Protection Ordinance
Spokane has a local ordinance that adds a few more protections for renters, especially in areas like Logan Neighborhood, Whitman, and Downtown Spokane.
This means:
- You might need to provide relocation assistance if you end the lease for a no-fault reason (like selling).
- You must provide written notice with a specific timeline.
- Some terminations require proof, like a signed purchase agreement.
Showings: Do Tenants Have to Let Buyers In?
Under Washington law, tenants must be given proper notice before any showings—usually at least 48 hours. But they can also refuse showings entirely in some cases, especially if they feel harassed or unsafe.
If you’re working with a Realtor and trying to sell on the MLS, this can turn into a real headache.
That’s why many Spokane landlords sell directly to us—we skip showings, buy with tenants in place, and handle the transition respectfully and legally.
Can You Sell Without Notifying the Tenant?
Technically, you can list your property without telling the tenant—but that’s rarely a good idea. Surprising your tenant with a “For Sale” sign doesn’t build trust and may trigger resistance or legal complaints.
Instead, we recommend one of these approaches:
- Transparent Communication: Let tenants know your plans and timelines.
- Offer Incentives: “Cash for keys” agreements can encourage early move-out.
- Sell to REI Branded Home Buyer: We take over the lease, honor tenant rights, and let you walk away stress-free.
We’ve Done This Before
We recently bought a rental in Hillyard where the landlord was overwhelmed by tenant issues. The tenant was behind on rent, but the owner didn’t want to start an eviction. We made a fair cash offer, assumed the lease, and handled everything after closing.
They were out of the situation within a week.
Why Work With REI Branded Home Buyer?
✔ We buy properties with tenants still living there
✔ We take over leases, handle paperwork, and respect your tenants
✔ No commissions, repairs, or showings
✔ Local Spokane-based team with a track record of helping landlords
✔ Close in 7–14 days on your schedule
Let’s Talk
If you’re thinking about selling a house with tenants in Spokane, you’ve got options. We’ll walk you through them—no pressure, just real answers.
📞 509-769-3439
📧 info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🔗 Contact Us
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking action on tenant-related matters.
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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.