Getting ready to talk with your tenant about selling a rental house requires some cautious planning. It is also important to conduct some research into local laws. Landlord laws can vary widely from place to place and may place restrictions on property owners looking to sell an occupied rental home. Before you discuss the issue of selling with your tenant, make sure that you understand the laws in your area and that your next steps do not violate the law or your tenant’s rights. You have to consider your tenant and what you know about them. This can help you to plan out how and what you say to them more carefully.
Once you have the information you need and know how to approach your tenant, it is good to discuss your plans with them in person. While you can and should notify your tenants about the property’s new status in writing, things will likely go way better if the first time they hear about it is from you directly. For your convenience, schedule an in-person meeting or video conference with your tenant. Explain your plans to sell the house, and then give them time to ask questions.
You have to try and anticipate their questions ahead of time so that you have answers ready. Usually, tenants would want to know if they will be forced to move when the property sells, even if their lease hasn’t expired. They will probably ask who will be buying the house, even though you may not know that at first. If you are selling to another investor, try to communicate as much as you know about the new owner’s plans, including whether the new owner will assume the current lease or require new terms. If you don’t already have a buyer, try to ask your tenants if they are interested in buying the property themselves. They may want to stay for so long in the house that they are willing to buy the property from you directly.
Conversations about selling your rental house can be very emotional for your tenants. Lastly, selling the home they live in likely means big changes for them. They may also feel resentful or betrayed. Those emotions are difficult to resolve. If your tenant does become emotional or upset, do your best to stay calm.
Aside from cooling them down, try to offer them as much time as you can to adjust to the news of the impending sale. Providing information about the expected time frame can help give your tenant a sense of how the next few months will proceed and help them start making any necessary plans. At that point, as the cycle starts to progress, be sure to send regular updates about the sale and a lot of notice if you need to enter the property with a potential buyer.
If you manage things properly and maintain open lines of communication, your tenant may not only accept your plans to sell; they may even be willing to participate in the process. With the right support and assurances, your tenant could help make the selling process a smooth and efficient one. But no matter how they react or feel, it is important to respect your tenant’s privacy and to obtain their permission before showing the house.
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with all the tasks and responsibilities of property management? See what Real Property Management Vanguard can do for you! Give us a call at 407-681-7802 or contact us online today.