
Selling Rental Property with Tenants Crazy Fast in Texas

By Danny Johnson | Updated 10/24/2024, 5:20:28 PM
Discover expert tips for selling a tenant-occupied property in Texas quickly! Learn the legalities and make the most of existing tenants in the process.
- Key Takeaways
- Can I Sell My Rental Property with Tenants in It in Texas?
- Legal Rights of Tenants During Property Sale
- Pros and Cons of Selling with Tenants
- Strategies for a Smooth Selling Process
- Assessing Your Rental Agreement: Month-to-Month vs. Fixed-Term Leases
- Preparing Your Tenants for the Sale
- Strategies for Attracting Investors to Your Tenant-Occupied Property
- Highlighting the Benefits of Existing Tenants
- Emphasizing Potential Returns on Investment
- Marketing to Real Estate Investors
- How much notice do you need to give a tenant when selling in Texas?
- Negotiating with Tenants for Early Move-Out
- Can a tenant refuse to allow viewings in Texas?
- Get a Cash Offer For Your Property With Tenants
- Q: Do I need to inform my tenant if I want to sell my property?
- Q: What tips for selling a property with existing tenants should I consider?
- Q: How do I advertise the property if it is occupied by tenants?
- Q: What happens if my tenant does not want to cooperate during the selling process?
- Q: Can I sell a rental property with tenants living in it for a higher price?
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As a landlord, I've been there. Trying to sell a rental property with tenants still living there can be stressful. But, it's not as hard as it seems. Selling an occupied rental property can be smooth with the right steps taken.
This article is going to focus on selling rental property in Texas. Laws in other states may be different.
Imagine you want to sell the property, but your tenants are in the middle of their lease. This is a common problem for landlords. The good news is, sometimes you can get more for the house with a tenant in place!
If you have a property with a tenant that is not paying and/or has trashed the house, don't worry we will show you how you can quickly sell the house for cash.

Let's get into the details of selling your rental property with a tenant still living there. We'll talk about legal rights, attracting investors, and more. We'll help you sell your property fast and easily, without losing your mind.
Key Takeaways
- Selling a rental property with tenants can increase sale price by up to 20%
- Month-to-month agreements offer more flexibility for selling
- Fixed-term leases can attract real estate investors
- Cash buyers can close deals in as little as 7 days
- Negotiating with tenants for early move-out is an option
- Lease agreements transfer to new owners in Texas
- Offering lease-to-own options can facilitate quicker sales
Can I Sell My Rental Property with Tenants in It in Texas?
Selling a rental property with tenants in Texas is possible. You need to understand tenant rights and the sale process. Real estate investors find occupied properties attractive for their cash flow. They don't have to worry about a house being vacant until they can find a tenant. This is a huge plus!
Legal Rights of Tenants During Property Sale
In Texas, tenants have certain rights when selling a property. The lease agreement stays with the new owner. Tenants can stay until their lease ends. Landlords must give a 30-day notice to ask tenants to leave.

Pros and Cons of Selling with Tenants
Selling a property with tenants has its good and bad sides:
- Pro: Immediate rental income for investors
- Con: Fewer buyers, as some prefer empty properties
- Pro: Cash flow continues during the sale
- Con: Showings might be hard to schedule
- Pro: You can get out of a bad tenant situation
- Con: You will have go accept less money to get out of it
Strategies for a Smooth Selling Process
To sell your property smoothly with tenants:
- Keep communication open with tenants
- Offer rent reductions during showings (if you are having to inconvenience the often)
- Give detailed tenant info to buyers
- Look for investors who want occupied properties
By using these strategies and respecting tenant rights, selling your rental property in Texas can be smooth for everyone.
Assessing Your Rental Agreement: Month-to-Month vs. Fixed-Term Leases

Knowing your lease or rental agreement is crucial when selling a property with tenants. There are two main lease types: month-to-month and fixed-term. Each has its own effects on landlords and tenants.
If you use property management to handle your rental, you can get more details from them.
Month-to-month leases are flexible. They last 30 days and renew with each rent payment. Landlords can change terms with a 30-day notice. This flexibility can lead to higher rental income as you can adjust to market changes quickly.
In Texas, landlords must give a 30-day notice for rent hikes up to 10%. For hikes over 10%, it's a 90-day notice.
Fixed-term leases, however, offer stability. They usually last from six months to a year. These leases protect tenant rights by preventing evictions and rent hikes during the lease.
- Month-to-month leases allow for frequent adjustments
- Fixed-term leases offer stability in rent and occupancy
- Both types have implications for selling with tenants
When selling a property with a fixed-term lease, you have a few options. You can wait for the lease to end, sell to an investor, negotiate an early move-out, or sell to the tenant. Each choice impacts the selling process and property value. Remember, if a rental unit is sold, the lease stays with the new buyer, keeping tenant rights and responsibilities intact.
"Written leases reduce the likelihood of disagreements and provide landlords with a tool to protect their assets." says Frank Johnson, a real estate investor from Seguin, TX
It doesn't matter what type of lease you have. A clear, written agreement is crucial. It sets clear expectations, protects both parties, and is a valuable guide during the property sale.
Preparing Your Tenants for the Sale
Selling a rental property with tenants goes a lot more smoothly when you communicate with your tenants about what is happening. It's important to tell your tenants about your decision to sell. Explain what it means for them. You still want them to feel confident they will have a place to live and to continue to pay rent.
When planning property showings, respect your tenants' privacy. In California, landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice. Find times that work for them and try not to disrupt their lives too much.
Talk about the possibility of lease transfer to a new owner. Let them know their rental agreement will still be valid after the sale. If you're thinking about ending the lease early, be upfront about any benefits like help with moving costs or rent reductions during showings.
According to the Texas State Law Library, "When a property changes ownership, the new owner is bound by the terms of the existing lease. If the lease does not say that it will end if the property is sold, the owner cannot remove the tenant or change the lease.
When the lease term expires, the new owner can choose to renew the lease, adjust the rent amount, and change the lease's terms."
Tenant cooperation is crucial for a smooth sale. Here are some tips to encourage it:
- Keep tenants updated on the sale progress
- Quickly address their concerns
- Be flexible with showing times
- Give clear instructions for preparing the property for viewings
If you are finding it difficult to sell your home with the tenant, you could incentivize them to move out early. You could negotiate with the tenant and possibly give them a free month in exchange for the tenant moving and ending the lease sooner.
Keeping a good relationship with your tenants can make selling easier for everyone. By focusing on open communication and respecting their rights, you'll have a better chance of a successful and stress-free sale.
Strategies for Attracting Investors to Your Tenant-Occupied Property
Selling a tenant-occupied property is desirable for real estate investors. This can be a huge selling point. It's important to show the benefits of having tenants. Let's look at some ways to draw in potential buyers.
Highlighting the Benefits of Existing Tenants
When you market your property, talk up the good things about having tenants. If using a real estate agent, make sure they mention the details in the listing. Tenants who pay on time and take care of the place are a big plus. They bring in rental income right away and keep the property filled, which investors like.
Emphasizing Potential Returns on Investment
Focus on the money matters that investors care about. Show off the rental income and growth potential. Give all the details on the property's cash flow and net operating income. This helps buyers see how profitable the investment could be.
Marketing to Real Estate Investors
Direct your marketing to real estate investors. Talk about how the property can grow in value and keep bringing in rental income. Work with agents who know investment properties to find the right buyers.
- Showcase reliable tenants as valuable assets
- Present detailed financial projections
- Emphasize the property's potential for appreciation
- Partner with agents experienced in investment properties
Selling a tenant-occupied property needs a special strategy. By focusing on investor benefits and clear financial data, your property will shine in the market.
Some investors look for properties on Facebook marketplace. Others visit sites like BiggerPockets and Zillow. Make sure you market the property where real estate investors are hanging out.
How much notice do you need to give a tenant when selling in Texas?
In Texas, the law is clear about tenant notice when selling a property. For month-to-month leases, landlords must give 30 days' written notice, if they will need to move out. This gives tenants time to prepare for any changes.
Fixed-term leases have different rules. The lease stays in effect even if the property is sold, unless both sides agree otherwise. This helps keep things stable for tenants.
Landlords have a few choices when selling:
- Negotiate with tenants for early move-out
- Sell to investors who want occupied properties
- Offer the property to current tenants
Being open about the sale is important. Landlords must tell potential buyers about the tenants. Not doing so can cause legal problems and harm their reputation.
Also, Texas law says landlords must respect existing leases after a sale. This means new owners must follow the lease agreements, making the transition smoother for everyone.
Knowing the notice rules and tenant rights helps landlords sell properties smoothly. They can meet their legal duties in Texas.
Negotiating with Tenants for Early Move-Out
Selling a rental property with tenants can be tricky. It's all about tenant negotiation for a smooth sale. Sometimes, you need to end leases early to attract buyers. A lease buyout is a good strategy, but it costs money.
Offering relocation help can make the deal better for tenants. This could mean covering moving costs or paying for new security deposits. You could also give them cash. The amount should fit your budget and the benefits of an early vacancy.
- Cover moving expenses
- Compensate for rent differences
- Offer cash incentives
- Pay security deposits for new rentals
Remember, tenants must agree to move out early. If they don't, you'll have to wait until the lease ends. This can lower your property's value. Properties with sitting tenants might see a 25% value drop.
Always write down agreements and follow Texas law. This keeps things fair for both sides. With careful planning and clear communication, you can handle tenant negotiations well.
If your tenants are breaking the terms of your lease, whether with not paying you or keeping pets that weren't allowed, you could have to evict them. How long it takes to evict the tenants will vary, but you are looking at about 30-60 days in Texas.
If the tenant has damaged the property beyond what was helped or a deposit, you might find collecting difficult. These cases usually warrant a quick sale to a cash home buyer like Danny Buys Houses.
Can a tenant refuse to allow viewings in Texas?
In Texas, tenants can't just say no to property viewings when a landlord wants to sell. The state's laws aim to balance the rights of tenants with the needs of landlords. Landlords must give 24-48 hours' notice before showing the property. This way, they respect the tenant's privacy while still marketing the property.
Tenants have the right to enjoy their home in peace. Viewings should happen at times that don't disturb them. It's best to schedule them during business hours or weekends when tenants are more likely to be out.
If a tenant keeps blocking access, landlords might face problems. Keeping communication open is key. Some landlords offer rent cuts or moving help to encourage tenants to keep the place ready for viewings.
- Landlords must provide at least 30 days' notice before listing
- Tenants can stay until their lease ends, even if the property sells
- Landlords should respect tenants' schedules when arranging viewings
- Tenants have the right to be present during showings
If issues come up, landlords might need legal advice. But, working together with tenants usually makes the selling process smoother. It respects everyone's rights and needs.
Get a Cash Offer For Your Property With Tenants
What if you have a delinquent tenant and decide to sell to avoid evicting them? Many time a tenant not paying rent is also not keeping the property in good condition either. Both of these things can make it very difficult to sell. You might be wondering if you can evict them to sell the house as a new landlord will not want to take on these headaches.
Selling a property with tenants can be easy with a cash offer. Danny Buys Houses, an A+ rated company by the Better Business Bureau, has been buying properties for over two decades. Their "3 Step Home Buying Process" makes selling fast for landlords.
Cash buyers like Danny Buys Houses like properties with tenants for the cash flow. They offer fair cash offers without realtor commissions, saving you money. This is great for dealing with tough tenants or properties needing big fixes.
If you are dealing with squatters, this is also a good way to avoid the whole eviction process. Which is very stressful because you are dealing with someone that you never even agreed could live in the property.
With Danny Buys Houses, you can sell your property in weeks, not months. They promise fast closings, no repairs, and honest deals. If you're facing foreclosure, eviction, or just want to sell quickly, a cash offer is a hassle-free option.
Get a quick cash offer by filling out the form on their website or giving them a call!
Q: Do I need to inform my tenant if I want to sell my property?
A: Yes, it is advisable to inform your tenant if you want to sell your property. Transparency can help maintain a good relationship, and you may need their cooperation for property viewings.
Q: What tips for selling a property with existing tenants should I consider?
A: Tips for selling a property with existing tenants include communicating openly with your tenants, ensuring the property is well-maintained, scheduling showings at convenient times, and possibly offering incentives for their cooperation.
Q: How do I advertise the property if it is occupied by tenants?
A: When advertising a property occupied by tenants, be clear in your listings that the property has tenants in residence. Highlight the benefits, such as cash flow from the current tenant, and include professional photos that showcase the property while respecting the tenant's privacy.
Q: What happens if my tenant does not want to cooperate during the selling process?
A: If your tenant does not want to cooperate during the selling process, you may need to refer to the terms of the lease agreement. You can also offer to work around their schedule for showings or discuss potential incentives to encourage their cooperation.
Q: Can I sell a rental property with tenants living in it for a higher price?
A: Selling a rental property with tenants living in it can sometimes lead to a higher price, especially if the property generates consistent rental income. Property investors may be particularly interested in properties that are already occupied by tenants.

AUTHOR
Danny Johnson
Owner and Founder at Danny Buys Houses
Danny Johnson is an experienced real estate investor who has been buying houses for cash since 2003. As owner of Danny Buys Houses, Danny's goal is to help homeowners sell their house fast, regardless of the situation, so they can move on with their life.
Danny has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Realtor.com, BiggerPockets, Yahoo Finance, US News, and more. He is also the author of the book 'Flipping Houses Exposed'.