“The Cash Offer Company”
You’ve decided to sell a rental property but your tenant refuses to move out. Maybe their lease expired. Maybe they stopped paying rent. Or maybe they just won’t cooperate with showings. Whatever the case, you’re now stuck asking: Can I sell my house with a tenant still inside?
The answer in Virginia is: Yes, but it depends on your strategy.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything landlords and property owners need to know about selling a tenant-occupied house in Virginia especially when the tenant won’t leave voluntarily.
Can You Legally Sell a House With a Tenant in Place?
Yes. In Virginia, you’re allowed to sell a house with a tenant currently living in it. In fact, many landlords do. The challenge comes when:
- The lease is month-to-month or expired
- The tenant refuses showings or access
- The tenant has violated the lease but won’t vacate
- You’re trying to sell to an owner-occupant buyer who needs the property vacant
If the tenant is cooperative or under a fixed lease, the sale may proceed smoothly. But if they refuse to leave — or you want to sell the house vacant you’ll need a plan.
Options for Selling a House With a Tenant Who Won’t Leave
Let’s walk through your choices in Virginia.
1. Wait Out the Lease
- Most straightforward option if you have time
- Let the lease expire, then provide written notice
- 30-day written notice is required for month-to-month tenants in Virginia
2. Offer Cash for Keys
- Pay the tenant to move out early
- Can help avoid eviction court and delays
- Document everything in writing
3. Proceed With Eviction (Unlawful Detainer)
- File in Virginia General District Court
- Typical process takes 30–90 days depending on the county
- You must follow proper notice and legal timelines
4. Sell to a Buyer Willing to Keep the Tenant
- Investors and cash buyers often prefer occupied properties
- No need to evict or negotiate
- Sell the home as-is, with lease in place or even without a lease
How the Virginia Eviction Process Works (2025)
If you must evict, here’s a simplified version of the process:
- Provide written notice to the tenant (5-day Pay or Quit for nonpayment; 30-day Notice for lease termination)
- If the tenant doesn’t leave, file an Unlawful Detainer with the General District Court
- A court date will be set, usually within 2–4 weeks
- If the judge rules in your favor, the sheriff can schedule a lockout after a 10-day appeal period
This entire process can take 1–3 months — longer if the tenant contests the eviction.
Problems That Arise When Selling a House With a Difficult Tenant
- They may refuse to allow appraisals or inspections
- They might not keep the property clean for showings
- They could scare away potential buyers
- They may stop paying rent altogether during the sale
- They could cause damage out of frustration or retaliation
This is why many landlords turn to direct cash buyers when traditional selling feels impossible.
Selling to a Cash Buyer: Your Fastest Option
If you’re tired of fighting with a tenant or waiting months for court The Cash Offer Company can help. We buy houses in Virginia with tenants still inside. No showings. No evictions. No drama.
Here’s how it works:
- Tell us about the property and tenant situation
- We make you a fair, as-is cash offer within 24 hours
- You pick the closing date — we handle the paperwork
- You don’t have to remove the tenant — we’ll take care of it after closing
We Buy Occupied Properties Across Virginia
We’ve helped landlords sell houses in:
- Richmond — Including Jackson Ward, Forest Hill, Northside, and Manchester
- Chesterfield & Henrico — Single-family rentals with lease issues
- Petersburg & Hopewell — Older rentals with inherited tenants
- Virginia Beach & Roanoke — Remote landlords selling from out of state
Can You Sell a House Without a Written Lease?
Yes — but you’ll still need to follow Virginia tenant laws. Even if there’s no lease, if the tenant has lived in the property and paid rent, they have rights. That’s why it’s smart to work with a buyer who understands how to navigate these laws.
FAQs About Selling With a Tenant Who Won’t Leave
What if the tenant has a long-term lease?
Leases transfer with the property. You can sell, but the buyer must honor the lease terms unless both parties agree to terminate it.
Can I turn off utilities to get them out?
No that’s illegal in Virginia. You must follow formal eviction procedures.
What if the tenant damaged the property?
If you’re selling as-is, damage is factored into the offer. We’ll still buy the property and deal with repairs post-closing.
What if I inherited the house with a tenant?
You can still sell even without a lease. We’ve helped dozens of heirs sell tenant-occupied homes without formal rental agreements.
Why Work With The Cash Offer Company?
We’re a husband-and-wife team based in Richmond, VA — and we specialize in helping landlords and inherited property owners sell homes with:
- Uncooperative tenants
- Expired or month-to-month leases
- No lease paperwork
- Tenants who aren’t paying rent
You don’t need to evict. You don’t need to argue. You just need a buyer who’s ready to deal with the situation fairly and professionally. That’s where we come in.
Take the Next Step
Ready to sell your rental property even with a difficult tenant? Contact The Cash Offer Company today. We’ll make you a fast, no-obligation offer and help you move on without waiting months for court or fighting with your renter.
Contact Information
The Cash Offer Company
Phone: 804-215-4004
Email: info@thecashoffercompany.com
Website: https://www.thecashoffercompany.com/
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about landlord-tenant law or eviction procedures in Virginia, please consult a licensed attorney.