Can You Sell a Rental Property with Tenants in California?

Can You Sell a Rental Property with Tenants in California?

Last Updated on: February 26, 2025

Are you a California investor with a rental property currently rented out? If you’re thinking about selling and moving on to a new investment without dealing with evicting tenants, you’re not alone. We can help you sell quickly and easily, without the hassle.

Well, Osborne Homes has good news! 

1) It is possible to sell your property with tenants in California legally. 

2) If you’re dealing with bad tenants, we will handle them for you.

3) If you want to avoid the hassle of a traditional sale, we will buy your house from you for all cash, close fast and make it so much easier. 

Regardless of how you sell an investment property, knowing your rights as an investor while the process plays out is important. Let’s jump in and explore landlord rights in California as well as the risks and benefits associated with this legal journey!

What are your rights as a landlord looking to sell your rental property in California?

The laws in California regulate how landlords can sell a rental property that is currently occupied. Following these laws ensures a smooth transaction while protecting tenant rights. Missing key legal steps could delay the sale or create legal issues.

Tenant lease agreements

If a tenant has a fixed-term lease, they generally have the right to stay until the lease expires. Month-to-month tenants can be given a 30 or 60-day notice depending on how long they have lived in the property.

Tenant protections

California’s tenant protection laws require proper notice before selling an occupied property. In some cases, landlords may need to provide relocation assistance if the sale results in a no-fault eviction.

Selling with tenants in place

Some buyers, including real estate investors, prefer to purchase rental properties with existing tenants. This allows landlords to sell without waiting for leases to expire or removing tenants.

Selling for cash

If dealing with tenant laws and lease agreements is too time-consuming, Osborne Homes buys rental properties as-is for cash. Skip tenant negotiations and legal complexities—sell directly to us for a fast, hassle-free sale.

How often do these landlord rights change?

Landlord rights in California can vary from state to state and may change over time, so it’s important for landlords to stay up-to-date on the laws and regulations that apply to them. In California, landlord-tenant laws are governed by the California Civil Code, as well as by local ordinances and rent control laws. These laws may be amended or revised by the state legislature or local governing bodies.

It’s a good idea for landlords to periodically review the relevant laws and regulations to ensure that they comply with their obligations as a landlord. Landlords can also seek the advice of an attorney or other legal professional to stay informed about any changes in the law.

Want to Escape Landloading?

Sell your rental property to Osborne Homes and get all cash. No repairs or eviction is needed to get cash for your property. Get started with Osborne Homes today.

Get Started

Have Questions About Selling Your Tenant-Occupied Investment Property to Osborne?

We mentioned that we would love to buy your home and that we would make it easier. Fill this form out and we will get in touch with you to go more into the details of what we meant by that.

Selling Strategies for Rental Properties in California

Here are some targeted strategies for selling rental properties to specific buyers, focusing on the unique benefits of selling to current tenants and investment companies like Osborne Homes.

Selling to Current Tenants

Selling to tenants can streamline the transaction by eliminating the need for marketing and showings, fostering a smoother transition. However, it requires ensuring tenants are interested in doing so and, if so, that they are both financially capable and agreeable to the sale price.

Selling to Osborne Homes

Opt for a direct sale to Osborne Homes for a fast, efficient process without the usual hassles of traditional sales. Benefits include immediate cash offers, no need for showings or repairs, and a quick closing timeline, making it ideal for landlords seeking a hassle-free sale.

Choosing the right selling strategy can significantly impact the ease and success of the transaction. Direct sales to investment companies like Osborne Homes provide an easy and secure alternative, ideal for landlords aiming for minimal disruption and immediate results.

Tenant Management During Sale

Subtext: Managing tenant relations effectively during the sale of a rental property is crucial for maintaining legal compliance and ensuring a smooth transaction. This section covers the intricacies of tenant rights, the legal protocols during the sale, and how Osborne Homes simplifies this process for landlords.

Handling Tenant Rights

Understand and respect tenant rights during the sale, including the right to receive proper notice as required by California law. Navigate the complexities of tenant-occupied properties with consideration to avoid legal pitfalls.

Maintaining Tenant Relations

Communicate transparently with tenants about the sale process. Provide clear information and updates to maintain good relations and cooperation during property showings and transitions.

Legal Protocols for Notifications and Leases

Adhere to legal requirements for notifying tenants about the sale, managing lease terms, and handling potential evictions with fairness. Ensure all actions are in compliance with California’s tenant-friendly laws.

Selling a property with tenants can be complex, requiring careful attention to legal details and tenant communications. Osborne Homes offers the perfect solution. We buy tenant-occupied houses and manage the interactions for you. We comply with tenant rights and all legal requirements, allowing for a sure and hassle-free sale.

How can you ensure a smooth sale process while still respecting the rights of your tenants?

Here are a few steps that landlords can take to ensure a smooth sale process while still respecting the rights of their tenants:

Give proper notice

It’s important for landlords to give their tenants the required notice when selling a rental property. This ensures that the tenant has enough time to make arrangements for their future living situation.

Provide information

Landlords should provide the tenant with a copy of the sales contract or purchase agreement, as well as any other relevant information about the sale of the property.

Offer the tenant the opportunity to purchase

If the tenant is interested in purchasing the property, the landlord should give them the opportunity to match any offer that they receive from a third party.

Communicate with the tenant 

Landlords should keep the tenant informed about the status of the sale and any changes that may affect their tenancy. This can help to avoid misunderstandings and reduce the risk of conflicts.

Follow all relevant laws and regulations 

It’s important for landlords to familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations that apply to the sale of a rental property and to follow them carefully. This can help to ensure a smooth and orderly sale process.

With patience, attention to detail and knowledge of each stage of the selling process, you can successfully sell your rental property in beautiful California!

Eviction Notice Requirements and the 120-Day Rule

When selling your rental property, it’s crucial to understand the 120-day notice to sell rule in California, especially if the tenant needs to vacate for the sale to proceed. If the new owner plans to occupy the property as their primary residence, California law mandates a 120-day written notice to the tenant. This applies if the tenant has been in the property for more than a year and requires the landlord to give the tenant sufficient time to find new housing before they must vacate.

However, if you’re selling to Osborne Homes, we can assist you whether your tenants are staying or moving out. If an eviction is necessary for the sale to proceed, Osborne Homes will manage the entire eviction process for you. Our team is experienced in handling tenant issues, ensuring that the sale is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re selling with tenants in place or need to evict, we handle all the details and legal requirements for you.

What are some of the problems you might run into?

Selling a rental property in California may present several challenges. These include tenant-related issues, legal complications, and financial obstacles. Understanding the common problems can help you prepare for a smoother transaction, ensuring you make informed decisions when selling your property.

Tenant Disagreements

Tenants might not agree to vacate the property by the sale date, which can delay the sale process. This issue is more common in properties where the tenant has a long-term lease or if they are unhappy with the terms of the sale.

Rent Control Laws

If the property is subject to local rent control laws, it can complicate the sale. These laws may restrict the amount of rent you can charge and the ability to raise rents, potentially making the property less attractive to potential buyers.

Finding a Qualified Buyer

Selling a rental property with an existing tenant can be challenging, as many buyers prefer properties without tenants. Finding a buyer willing to purchase a property with tenants in place can take longer and may require offering concessions or a lower price.

Financing Challenges

Securing financing for the sale of a rental property can be difficult, especially if the property has a high vacancy rate or requires substantial repairs. Lenders may be hesitant to approve a loan, which could reduce the pool of potential buyers and delay the sale.

Detailed Tax Implications for Selling Rental Properties in California

Understanding the tax consequences when selling a rental property in California is crucial for maximizing your financial benefits. This section will cover key taxes including capital gains, depreciation recapture, and strategies to reduce overall tax liabilities.

Capital Gains Tax

Learn how profits from the sale are taxed depending on the duration of property ownership. In California, long-term holdings benefit from reduced rates.

Depreciation Recapture Tax

Explore how the IRS recaptures depreciation claimed during the property’s rental period, impacting your net proceeds from the sale.

1031 Exchange

Discover how utilizing a 1031 exchange can defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds from the sale into another investment property.

Careful planning and awareness of these tax implications can greatly reduce the financial impact when selling your rental property. Consider consulting with a tax advisor to explore these strategies in detail and customize them to your specific situation.

What is the easiest way to sell a tenant-occupied home in California?

The easiest way to sell your tenant-occupied home in California is to let us here at Osborne homes handle the sale for you! When we do this, what happens is that WE become your buyer. We are not just any buyer though, we pay you all cash for your home, we handle all the paperwork, we let you keep your tenants in the house undisturbed during the process, and we close fast and handle the tenants for you. We are experienced in this process and will make sure that everything goes smoothly for you so that you can get on with your life. 

Fast FAQ on Selling Rental Property with Tenants in California

Can I legally sell my rental property with tenants still living in it? 

Yes, you can legally sell your rental property in California even if it is currently occupied by tenants. You must adhere to specific procedures, such as providing adequate notice as required by California law, to ensure the process complies with tenant rights.

What kind of notice do I need to give my tenants if I want to sell the property? 

In California, if your tenants have been renting for less than a year, you must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before selling the property. For tenants who have been renting for a year or more, a 90-day written notice is required.

Are there any specific rights that tenants have when the property they are renting is being sold? 

Yes, tenants have several rights during the sale of the property they occupy. These include the right to receive proper notice, the opportunity to purchase the property if they wish, and the right to have their existing lease terms honored by the new owner unless agreed otherwise.

What happens if my tenant wants to buy the property I am selling? 

If your tenant expresses an interest in purchasing the property, California law requires you to allow them to match any offer you receive from a third party. This allows tenants a fair chance to buy the property before it is sold to someone else.

How can I handle tenant-occupied property sales smoothly? 

To ensure a smooth transaction, provide all necessary information and updates to your tenants, maintain open communication, and adhere strictly to all legal requirements. Selling through Osborne Homes can simplify this process, as we handle tenant negotiations and legalities for you.

What are some common issues landlords face when selling a tenant-occupied property? 

Common issues include disputes over the terms of the sale, disagreements about the move-out date, or challenges related to the tenant’s rights under local rent control laws. Ensuring clear communication and legal compliance can help mitigate these issues.

How does Osborne Homes help with selling tenant-occupied properties? 

Osborne Homes offers a straightforward, all-cash purchase of properties, which simplifies the sale process. We handle all aspects of the transaction, including tenant issues, which means you don’t need to worry about evictions, legal fees, or drawn-out sales processes.

What financial benefits do landlords have when selling to Osborne Homes?

Selling to Osborne Homes allows you to bypass traditional selling hassles such as repairs, realtor commissions, and long waiting periods. The all-cash offer also provides immediate financial returns without the uncertainties of a market sale.

Can selling to Osborne Homes speed up the sale process for a rental property? 

Yes, selling to Osborne Homes can significantly speed up the process. As a direct buyer, we can close on your schedule, often within a matter of a few weeks, which is much quicker than traditional real estate transactions.

What steps should I take to prepare my rental property for sale? 

Preparing your rental property for sale involves giving proper notice to tenants, ensuring the property is in good condition for showings, and consulting with legal professionals to ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations. Selling to Osborne Homes eliminates many of these steps, as we buy properties “as-is” and handle much of the paperwork and legal details.

Want Fast Cash to Sell Your Rental Home?

Contact us today if you would like to learn more about how you can sell an investment property to Osborne Homes.

Sell Your House to Osborne Homes Today
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Address of the house you want to sell - Step 1 of 2
House Address
Osborne Homes logo in white

We'll buy your house. 
Fast
No fees.
No Headaches.

Get ALL CASH for Your Home. FAST.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Address of the house you want to sell - Step 1 of 2
House Address