Can You Sell a Home With Tenants in Port Washington?

Can you sell your Port Washington home if tenants are still living there?
Yes — you can sell a tenant-occupied property, but how you approach the sale depends on the type of lease and your goals. Whether you’re selling to another investor or a buyer who wants to move in, planning ahead is key to avoiding legal or logistical issues.

Step 1: Review the Lease Agreement

The first thing to do is check your lease. Your options depend on whether the tenant is:

  • Month-to-month: You can end the lease with proper written notice (usually 30 to 60 days).

  • Fixed-term: The tenant has the right to stay until the lease expires unless both parties agree otherwise.

New York’s landlord-tenant laws protect renters, so violating a lease can delay or derail your sale. Eric Berman, REALTOR, can help coordinate your sale timing with local legal requirements.

Step 2: Decide What Type of Sale You’re Pursuing

Option 1: Sell to an Investor

If your tenants have a fixed-term lease and pay reliably, selling to another investor is often easiest. The new owner assumes the lease, and you can market the home as an income-producing property.

Option 2: Sell to an Owner-Occupant

If your buyer plans to live in the home, you’ll need to deliver the property vacant. This usually means:

  • Waiting for the lease to expire, or

  • Offering tenants cash for keys — a financial incentive to move out early.

Step 3: Communicate With Tenants

Open communication goes a long way. Let your tenants know your plans and how showings will be handled. Provide adequate notice (at least 24 hours) before each showing, and consider flexible scheduling to minimize disruption.

Many sellers offer small incentives, such as rent reductions or help with moving expenses, to keep tenants cooperative during the sale.

Step 4: Market the Property Strategically

Selling with tenants requires a tailored marketing plan. Eric Berman, REALTOR, uses targeted strategies to reach the right buyers:

  • Investors: Emphasize rental income potential, tenant reliability, and local rent demand.

  • Owner-occupants: Highlight move-in timelines and renovation opportunities.

Professional photography and careful coordination with tenants help ensure your listing shows at its best.

Legal Considerations

  • Notice Requirements: New York requires landlords to give proper notice for showings, lease terminations, and move-outs.

  • Security Deposits: These must transfer to the new owner at closing.

  • Tenant Rights: You cannot remove a tenant without following formal eviction procedures.

Consult your attorney before making any changes that affect tenants.

How Eric Berman Helps Port Washington Landlords

Eric Berman, REALTOR, helps landlords sell occupied homes by:

  • Evaluating the lease and advising on the best sales strategy.

  • Coordinating showings respectfully with tenants.

  • Marketing to both investors and owner-occupants.

  • Ensuring legal compliance and smooth communication with attorneys.

Bottom Line

You can sell a tenant-occupied home in Port Washington, but your success depends on preparation, communication, and compliance with state laws. Whether your tenants stay or move out, the right plan can make your sale stress-free.

Ready to sell your Port Washington rental property? Contact Eric Berman for expert guidance on selling with tenants while protecting your investment.

Meta Description:
Can you sell a home with tenants in Port Washington? Yes — learn how to handle leases, tenant rights, and showings with REALTOR Eric Berman’s guidance.