Can I Sell a Home in Port Washington If It Still Has Tenants?

Can you sell a Port Washington home that still has tenants living in it?
Yes — but the process can be more complicated. Whether you’re selling to another landlord or to a buyer who wants to live in the home, you’ll need to carefully follow New York tenant laws and your lease agreement.

Understanding Your Lease Agreement

The first step is to review the lease:

• Month-to-Month Lease: You can usually give tenants 30–90 days’ notice (depending on the situation and local rules).

• Fixed-Term Lease: If the lease is still active, you generally cannot force tenants to leave until it expires unless they agree to end it early.

Your Options as a Seller

1. Sell with Tenants in Place

   • Works best if you’re selling to another investor or landlord.

   • Buyer takes over the lease and becomes the new landlord.

   • Can be attractive if the tenant has a strong rental history.

2. Wait Until the Lease Ends

   • Once the lease expires, you can sell the home vacant.

   • Provides maximum flexibility to market to all types of buyers.

3. Offer Incentives for Early Move-Out

   • Sometimes called “cash for keys.”

   • You offer tenants money or relocation help to vacate before the lease ends.

   • This can be faster and less stressful than waiting.

Special Considerations in New York

• Tenant Protections: New York has strong tenant protection laws. You cannot evict without cause or proper notice.

• Showings: Tenants must be given proper notice before showings (typically 24 hours).

• Rent-Stabilized or Rent-Controlled Units: These have additional restrictions and rules for sales.

Marketing a Tenant-Occupied Property

Selling a home with tenants requires extra coordination. Eric Berman, REALTOR, works closely with:

• Tenants, to maintain cooperation and access for showings.

• Buyers, to explain the lease terms and highlight rental potential.

• Attorneys, to ensure compliance with state and local laws.

Bottom Line

Yes, you can sell a Port Washington home with tenants — but the strategy depends on your lease, your buyers, and your goals. With the right planning, you can avoid legal headaches and sell successfully.

Thinking of selling a tenant-occupied property? Contact Eric Berman to discuss your options and get a customized plan that works for you.

Meta Description:
Can you sell a tenant-occupied home in Port Washington? Yes — learn your options, tenant rights, and how Eric Berman, REALTOR, helps sellers navigate the process smoothly.