Let’s not beat around the bush… Being a landlord in Washington is not easy. There are many rules to follow, repairs to handle, rent to collect, new laws being passed nearly every year, and sometimes unexpected problems to solve. And let’s not forget the rising cost of homeowner’s insurance for rental properties, which has been trending at an increase of 20% year–over-year. It can feel like a full-time job, even when you only own one rental property. When it is time to sell, things can feel even harder, especially if you still have tenants living in the home and you care about them and their wellbeing.
Last year, we worked with a seller and his partner who wanted to sell a rental home they had owned for many years. The same tenants had lived there for eight years. The owners did not want to ask those tenants to move out just so they could sell. They also didn’t want to wait until the lease ended, send notice that they could not renew, or spend time and money fixing up the home before listing it.
After they got a letter from Georgia Buys, they reached out to us to ask if we could buy the home while the lease was still active. They wanted to make sure we would respect the lease and treat their tenants with care. James told them we could work with them privately so the tenants would not know about the sale until the time was right. He explained we could honor the rest of the lease or help with relocation if we needed to start the project sooner. The only thing the owners had to do was sign the paperwork and they could walk away. This gave them a huge sense of relief.
After closing, they introduced us to the tenants as the new owners. We then worked with the tenants and the City of Seattle to give them help with relocation, extra time to find a new home, and even help moving their things. The whole process took about 60 days, and the tenants moved into their new home without stress. This is a perfect example of how we create a win-win-win situation for everyone involved and why we believe in providing choices, not pressure.
At Georgia Buys, we know that many landlords want to sell without causing problems for their tenants. You might have long-term renters, family living in your home, or tenants you simply want to treat with respect. We offer a way to sell that keeps everyone’s needs in mind and lets you move forward with less stress.
Here’s how we can help.
Most landlords think about selling their rental by listing it on the open market. But if tenants are still in the home, it can be very difficult. You have to work around their schedules, keep the home in showing condition, and hope they are okay with strangers coming in and out.
It’s also important to understand that tenants have rights during an active lease:
These protections mean selling on the open market can take much longer and require more coordination. On top of that, you’ll face these common challenges:
All these problems make a regular market sale stressful and less profitable than many landlords expect. It can also mean months of uncertainty for both you and your tenants.
Selling to a cash buyer like Georgia Buys makes the process much simpler and more predictable. We take on many of the challenges so you don’t have to.
Working with a cash buyer means you can move on quickly and avoid months of red-tape, lost income, and uncertainty.
Some landlords worry about what happens to tenants if the home will be rebuilt or fixed up in a way that affects their housing. In cities like Seattle, there is a Tenant Relocation Assistance Program to protect tenants. This program makes sure tenants get help when they have to move, and it can make the transition much smoother.
Here is how it works:
You can read more on the City of Seattle’s Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance page. It explains the rules in detail, but it can still be tricky to handle on your own if you have never done it before.
Need to sell your rental property but have no time to waste? Contact the Georgia Buys team today and let’s talk about how we can help you and your tenants come to a happy resolution.
At Georgia Buys, we believe selling your home should not hurt your tenants. When you work with us, we can handle relocation assistance and all the steps required by the city so you don’t have to. We handle the paperwork, the coordination, and the communication. We talk with the city and handle all the forms and approvals. We work with your tenants so they feel supported and know what to expect. You do not have to worry about deadlines, special notices, or stressful back-and-forth. We keep the sale private, simple, and fair so everyone is treated with respect. Many sellers have told us they felt proud knowing their tenants were taken care of.
Selling a rental home can feel like a big, scary task. But you do not have to do it alone. We have helped many landlords sell their properties without upsetting their tenants or losing months of rent. We are ready to help you, too. We understand how important it is to have a plan that works for both you and the people living at your property.
If you want to sell quietly, use a 1031 exchange, or just move on without a long process, Georgia Buys is here to help every step of the way. We want to make sure you feel confident and supported throughout the entire process.
Thinking about selling your rental home while keeping your tenants happy? Contact the Georgia Buys team today and let’s talk about how we can help you. Together, we can find the best solution for your property and your future.
