If you’re a homeowner in Washington who needs to sell your house with tenants, you should know you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves in this complicated and sometimes problematic situation. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to sell your house with tenants in Washington. Keep reading for more information.
The Pros of Selling a House with Tenants
There are a few positives to selling a house with tenants:
- Home buyers might be more interested in purchasing an already rented property since they don’t have to find new tenants.
- Rent-producing properties can sell for more money if the market is right since buyers are willing to pay more for them.
- It is possible to avoid the hassles of eviction by selling your house with tenants.
The Cons of Selling a House with Tenants
When you sell your property with tenants, you can also find a few shortcomings, including:
- Leasing may not appeal to buyers who intend to live in the property.
- When you have to work around your tenants’ schedules for showings, the sale process can be delayed.
- Repairs and modifications may be necessary to make your house more appealing for sale.
Determine If You Can Sell a House with Tenants
Review your lease agreement before selling your house with tenants to identify your tenants’ rights. You should also review Washington’s landlord-tenant laws to understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord.
Washington’s Eviction Laws
Washington tenants can be evicted for a variety of reasons. Many of these factors are stipulated in their written contract. Evictions begin with a landlord serving a tenant with a Notice to Quit. The number of days associated with a Notice to Quit will vary depending on the reason for eviction.
It is illegal and considered disorderly conduct for a landlord to do a self-help eviction, regardless of how they want to evict. The following rules and regulations govern tenant evictions in Washington.
Failure To Pay Rent
Washington considers rent late if it is one day past due. It is possible, however, to have a grace period that allows more time to pay rent due if it is indicated in the lease/rental agreement.
If the lease specifies it, late fees may also be added to rent payments. A 14-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate must be provided to the tenant before landlords can begin eviction proceedings. Renters must be informed that they must pay or vacate the property within 14 days, or they will be evicted. A tenant who is being evicted for failing to pay rent on time can continue living in the rental residence if he or she pays the entire rent amount to the landlord within 14 days.
Lease/Rental Agreement Violations
If the tenant violates the lease, the landlord can evict them. It is the landlord’s responsibility to provide the tenant with a 10-Day Notice to Comply, which gives the tenant 10 days to resolve the issue.
Lease violations include:
- Damage to the rental unit
- Material health/safety violations
- Smoking in non-smoking areas
- Overcrowded rental unit
- Keeping a pet in a pet-free rental unit or rental premises
In the event the tenant does not resolve the issue after the given number of days, the landlord may continue to file an eviction lawsuit.
Illegal Activity
It should be noted that some lease violations are not curable, and they require a three-day notice to quit. The tenants cannot fix the violation and must leave within three days.
Violations of a lease that are not curable include:
- Engaging in criminal activity
- Creating harmful waste
- Hosting an illegal or unlawful business
- Being a nuisance on the rental property
Landlords are not legally required to give tenants a written notice if illegal activity is taking place. There is no need to wait for the next step in the eviction process before moving forward.
Illegal activity can be:
- Physical assault leading to an arrest
- Illegal firearm possession and/or firing
- Creating, distributing, or consuming controlled substances
When a situation escalates and goes out of control, landlords should contact the national domestic violence hotline.
Is Eviction The Solution?
An eviction is a legal option when necessary, but it can also be messy. Before listing the property, it is a good idea to give notice to your tenants. This will allow them to find alternative accommodations and prevent future conflicts.
How to Sell a House with Tenants
Once you’ve determined that you can proceed with selling a house with tenants, you have three ways to go about it. List the house yourself, hire an agent, or sell it for cash.
List It Yourself
Your first option is to sell the property on your own. This option may be suitable for you if you are comfortable handling a home sale’s marketing, negotiation, and closing. Since there are no commissions or fees to pay, you will also save money.
Hire an Agent
The second option involves hiring a real estate agent to take care of the sales process, paperwork, negotiations, and everything else. However, selling a home with a real estate agent usually involves paying an agent closing fee once the house is sold. It can also take months to find an interested buyer and for the sales process to complete.
Sell It for Cash
You can sell your house to a home buyer as a third option. If you want to sell your home fast and don’t want to deal with showings or negotiations, this option is perfect for you. Home buyers provide a cash offer and buy your house as-is. This means you won’t need to make any repairs or maintenance to sell your home.
Best Practices When Selling a House with Tenants
Make every effort to accommodate your tenants’ schedules. As a result, a weekend or evening showing may be necessary. Additionally, keep the house clean and tidy before each showing. To conclude, pet owners should be advised not to allow their pets into the house during showings.
Sell My House With Tenants in Washington Quickly & Hassle-Free
A house sale can be complicated and delayed if tenants are living in it. The best way to avoid potential inconveniences is to sell your house to a trusted home buyer company. At Favor Home Solutions, we offer fair cash offers and work with you through every step of the process so that you can sell your home quickly and easily. Forget about paying commissions or worrying about repairs- we buy your house as-is! Put money in your pocket in as little as 14 days- no hassle, just cash!
