At Ben Robinson Homes, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate complex sales situations—including tenanted properties. Here’s what you need to know.
Yes, You Can Sell a Tenant-Occupied Property
In British Columbia, landlords have the legal right to sell their property even if a tenant is currently living there. However, there are specific rules and regulations under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) that must be followed to protect tenant rights and avoid legal issues.
Know Your Legal Obligations
Here are the key things to keep in mind:
1. You Must Provide Proper Notice
If the buyer or their family intends to move into the property, you’ll need to issue a two-month notice to end tenancy, along with proof of the buyer’s intent to occupy the home. This can only happen after an unconditional offer has been accepted.Note: The notice period doesn’t start until the beginning of the next rental cycle, and tenants are entitled to one month’s rent as compensation.2. You Can Sell with the Tenancy in Place
If the buyer is an investor or open to assuming the tenant, the tenancy agreement can carry over without interruption. This can make your property more attractive to investors—especially if the tenants are responsible and paying market rent.3. Showing the Property
You're allowed to show the property while it's tenanted, but you must provide 24 hours' written notice for each showing, and it must occur between 8am and 9pm Try to coordinate showings to minimize disruption and maintain goodwill.Pros and Cons of Selling with a Tenant
Pros:
- Steady income during the sales process
- Appeals to investors looking for rental properties
- Saves time if you don’t want to wait for vacancy
Cons:
- Limited control over cleanliness or staging
- Restricted showing availability
- Potential pushback from unhappy tenants
- Be Transparent with Your Tenants
Good communication goes a long way. Let your tenants know your plans and their rights early in the process. - Offer Incentives
A small financial incentive or rent reduction might encourage cooperation during showings and clean-up. - Work with an Experienced Realtor
Navigating tenanted property sales involves contracts, negotiations, and sometimes conflict resolution. An experienced listing agent (like Ben!) can help manage expectations and protect your interests.
Thinking About Selling a Tenanted Property?
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Ben Robinson Homes, we’ve helped many landlords and homeowners sell their properties smoothly—tenant or no tenant. Whether you want to sell with the lease in place or after giving proper notice, we’ll guide you through every step.Contact Ben Robinson today to schedule a free seller consultation and get personalized advice on your next move.
