A rental that has become a problem
Selling a property with tenants in place, including what tenant rights mean for a sale in DC and Maryland.
Being a landlord works until it does not. Unpaid rent, damage, or a tenant relationship that has broken down can turn an investment into something you dread opening the mail about.
One thing to be clear on from the start: in both DC and Maryland, tenants have substantial legal protections, and selling a property does not remove them. Any honest buyer will tell you the same.
What tends to be difficult
Most buyers want the property empty
Owner-occupant buyers generally cannot buy a home they are unable to move into, which narrows the pool of people who can purchase a tenanted property.
Tenant rights survive a sale
An existing lease typically transfers with the property. In DC in particular, tenants may have rights when a building is offered for sale. This is a question for an attorney.
You may not be able to see inside
If the relationship has deteriorated, arranging access for inspections or showings can be difficult.
Condition is unknown
Damage often only becomes visible once a unit is vacant, which makes traditional buyers and their lenders nervous.
Your options
Most of these do not involve selling to us, and several of them cost you nothing to explore.
Hire a property manager
If the property itself is sound, handing the relationship to a professional manager can solve the problem without selling.
Work with a landlord-tenant attorney
There may be a lawful path to resolving the situation that you have not been told about. Get that advice before you assume selling is the only way out.
Negotiate with the tenant
A voluntary agreement to end a tenancy, properly documented by an attorney, is often faster and cheaper than the alternatives.
Sell to another landlord on the open market
Investor buyers do exist on the MLS. An agent who works with investors may be able to list it as a tenanted rental.
How a direct sale would work here
We can look at a property with tenants in place and with the lease as it stands. We are not asking you to remove anyone before closing.
We do not need a full set of showings. One walkthrough arranged with proper notice to the tenant is usually enough.
Any tenant protections that apply continue to apply after a sale. We will not ask you to do anything that gets around them.
Landlord-tenant law in DC is specific and strict. Speak with an attorney before taking any step involving a tenancy.
Tell us about the property
No obligation, and nothing here commits you to selling.