Dealing with tenants when selling… my advice, "Don't do it"

If possible, don’t sell your home with the tenant in the home. Here’s why.

• Nobody wants to purchase your problem unless you want to sell at a discount.
• When tenants don’t cooperate, you lose more than you’re gaining in rent.

As a Realtor, I think the most difficult situation is dealing with tenants of a property your client is trying to sell. The final sale price will depend greatly on just how cooperative the tenants are.

As for methods in dealing with tenants when selling, start by knowing renter’s rights for your state. Review the lease. In Colorado, the law states that tenants have the right to “quiet enjoyment” of the property. Review the lease to see what type of access you will be able to have.

You may even want to offer the renter some sort of incentive to be cooperative. As it stands, the tenants can likely expect the rents to go up. There is nothing in it for them. Sweeten the deal or don’t expect cooperation.