How to Sell a Rental Property With Problem Tenants in Richmond

🧨 Common “Problem Tenant” Situations in Richmond

You’re not alone. Richmond landlords reach out to us every week for issues like:

• Tenants who pay late or not at all
• Tenants who refuse to allow showings
• Property damage beyond normal wear
• Unauthorized pets or occupants
• Aggressive or hostile behavior
• Tenants who are still there after the lease expired
• People squatting without a valid lease
• Renters who threaten legal action to delay eviction

If you’re dealing with ANY of these, selling the property yourself becomes extremely difficult — but not impossible.

⚖️ Know Your Legal Rights as a Landlord in Virginia

Before selling, it’s important to understand Virginia landlord-tenant law. In most cases, you can legally sell the property with tenants still in place.

Here’s what Virginia law allows:

1. You can sell the property with tenants under a valid lease.

The new owner simply becomes the new landlord.

2. You may be able to sell even with non-paying tenants.

But traditional buyers will likely walk away until the issue is resolved.

3. You cannot force tenants out without proper legal process.

Self-eviction (changing locks, shutting off utilities, intimidation) is illegal.

4. You can notify tenants of inspections or showings.

But tenants are NOT required to make the home “show ready.”

If dealing with eviction, Richmond courts can take weeks to months, especially if tenants contest the process.

This is why many landlords ultimately choose a direct cash sale.

🚫 Why Selling With a Realtor Is Usually NOT an Option

Most landlords don’t realize how hard it is to sell a rental with problem tenants through the MLS.

Here’s what usually happens:

1. Realtors often won’t list tenant-occupied properties with issues.

Especially when tenants are uncooperative or the home needs repairs.

2. Buyers don’t want inherited problems.

Most homeowners want a move-in ready property — not one that requires eviction.

3. Showings can be impossible.

If tenants refuse access, your property simply won’t show, which kills your listing.

4. Repairs may be required before listing.

But most landlords don’t want to (or can’t) invest money into a home they’re trying to get rid of.

5. The sale can collapse during inspection.

If inspectors can’t access certain rooms or find damage, the buyer walks.

This is why many Richmond landlords turn to WeBuyHousesRVA.com — where we buy rental properties as-is, with tenants included.

💰 The Easiest Option: Sell Your Rental As-Is to a Cash Buyer

Selling your rental to WeBuyHousesRVA.com lets you avoid ALL tenant issues.

We buy rental properties in Richmond:

• With paying tenants
• With non-paying tenants
• With destructive tenants
• With inherited tenants
• With squatters
• With expired leases
• With code violations
• In ANY condition

You don’t need to:

• Evict anyone
• Clean the home
• Make repairs
• Deal with showings
• Pay realtor commissions

Here’s how our simple process works:

Step 1 — Schedule a quick call or submit the form.

Tell us about the property — occupancy status, condition, and situation.

Step 2 — Get a fair, no-obligation cash offer.

We evaluate the home as-is. You don’t need to evict tenants before selling.

Step 3 — Choose your closing date.

Close in as little as 7–14 days, or take time if you need it.

Step 4 — We handle the tenant situation after closing.

You walk away with cash. We take on the stress.



This is the fastest, easiest way to sell a rental property with problem tenants in Richmond, VA.

📉 When Does Selling Make More Sense Than Evicting?

Evictions in Virginia often take:

• 30–90 days for court scheduling
• Weeks or months for appeals or delays
• Additional time for sheriff lockouts

During this time, you’re losing:

• Rent
• Time
• Peace of mind

Sometimes, selling quickly makes more financial sense than fighting with a tenant for months.

Signs you should consider selling:

• Negative cash flow
• Repeat problem tenants
• Tenants damaging the property
• Property needs repairs you can’t afford
• Too much stress managing the unit
• You’re ready to exit the landlord business
• You inherited a rental you don’t want

If tenants won’t cooperate, selling as-is could save you thousands in lost rent and repairs.

🏚️ The Condition of the Home Doesn’t Matter

Problem tenants often leave behind:

• Trash
• Holes in walls
• Broken appliances
• Pet damage
• Rotting floors
• Mold
• Plumbing issues
• Unsanitary conditions

Traditional buyers will ask for:

• Repairs
• Cleaning
• Updated inspections



WeBuyHousesRVA.com buys properties exactly as they sit today — even if you haven’t stepped foot inside recently.

🏡 Real Example: Richmond Landlord Success Story

A landlord in Henrico contacted us after her tenant stopped paying rent but still refused to leave. She was losing $1,400+ per month, and eviction would take at least two more months.

Instead of waiting, she sold the property to us:

• No eviction required
• We took over the problem tenant
• She closed in 14 days
• She walked away with cash

She avoided further damage and months of lost rent — all because she chose a cash sale.

📞 Ready to Sell Your Tenant-Occupied Property in Richmond?

If you’re dealing with difficult renters, unreliable payments, or a property that’s become more stress than it's worth, we’re here to help.



At WeBuyHousesRVA.com, we buy rentals with:

• Problem tenants
• Non-paying tenants
• Lease violations
• Squatters
• Property damage
• Code issues
• Vacancies

You don’t have to evict them.

You don’t have to fix anything.

You don’t have to wait months for a buyer.

Just request your fair cash offer and move on with peace of mind.

👉 Get your no-obligation offer today at WeBuyHousesRVA.com

👉 Or call us directly to speak with a local Richmond homebuyer