Selling a rental with tenants in San Antonio? You have options.
Late rent, damage, turnover or just burnout: lots of landlords decide to sell. Here is how selling a rental works with a tenant in the house, what your options are, and how a direct sale compares. Plain language, no pressure.
Free, private, no obligation. Offers come to you in writing.
Your options as a landlord
You do not have to evict anyone, or fix the house up, to sell it. Here are the usual paths.
Sell with the tenant in place
Many investors buy occupied houses. The tenant stays under the existing lease, and the new owner takes over the lease.
Wait for the lease to end
If the lease is almost up, you can wait and sell vacant. Some owners ask the tenant to move out first.
Offer the tenant money to leave
Sometimes a landlord pays a tenant to move out sooner. This is a negotiation, so get any agreement in writing.
Handle a problem tenant first
If rent is unpaid or the lease is broken, an eviction goes through the justice court. It takes time, and an attorney can advise you on the process.
Whatever you choose, the lease usually stays in force after a sale, and the new owner takes on the tenant's rights. A real estate attorney can explain the rules for your lease.
How selling to us works
Simple, and you stay in control the whole way.
- Tell us about the house. Use the short form or call. The address, the condition, the rent and the lease end date is plenty to start.
- A real person follows up the same day. We ask a few questions about the house and your situation.
- You get a clear written offer if it makes sense. Whether the numbers work depends on the condition of the house and what is owed on it. We will tell you honestly either way.
- You choose the closing date. A title company handles the paperwork, and you can always say no.
We are a home buying company, not an attorney, lender or government agency. We will tell you honestly if selling to us is not your best move.
What we look at with a rental
A rented house is priced and closed a little differently, so a few details help.
- The lease. We ask for a copy so we can see the rent, the term and any deposit.
- Security deposits. Deposits generally transfer to the new owner at closing and are credited on the settlement statement.
- Condition. Tenant damage and deferred repairs affect the offer. We buy as-is, so you do not fix them first.
- Access. We may need to see inside, and we will work around the tenant's schedule and give notice.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. For your specific case, talk with a licensed Texas attorney, a HUD-approved housing counselor or your lender.
What helps us give you a straight answer
You do not need all of this to get started. Share what you have:
- The address and a short description of the condition.
- The lease: the monthly rent, the end date and whether the tenant is current.
- Any problems: unpaid rent, damage, or a tenant who is hard to reach.
- About what is owed, if there is a mortgage, back taxes or a lien.
- Your timeline: do you need to be done soon, or can you wait for the lease to end?
Want a straight answer about your house?
Tell us about the property. A real person looks at your situation and gives you a clear written offer if it makes sense. No fees, no pressure, and you can always say no.
Questions people ask
Can I sell a house with a tenant in it?
Yes. Many buyers, including us, purchase occupied rentals. The lease generally continues with the new owner.
Do I have to evict the tenant first?
Not for us. We can buy with the tenant in place. If you want the house vacant at closing, talk to us about timing and your options.
What happens to the security deposit?
It generally transfers at closing and shows as a credit on the settlement statement. The title company handles it.
What if the house is damaged?
We buy as-is, so you do not have to repair tenant damage before the sale. The condition is part of how we figure the offer.
What if the tenant is behind on rent?
Tell us. It is part of the picture, and we can often still work with the situation.
Is there a fee, or do I pay commissions?
No fee to ask, and no agent commissions when you sell directly to us. Every offer comes to you in writing and you can say no at any time.