Can I stay in my house after I sell it?
A rent-back lets you keep living in the house for a set time after closing. Here's how they usually work and what to put in writing.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
The short answer
Often, yes, if the buyer agrees. A rent-back, also called a post-closing occupancy agreement, lets you stay for a set period after the sale closes, usually for rent or a daily fee and sometimes with money held back from your proceeds until you move out. Put everything in writing: the move-out date, the cost, who pays utilities and repairs, and what happens if you stay late.
Step by step
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1
Ask before you sign the contract
A rent-back is easiest to agree on up front, as part of the sale terms. Asking after the contract is signed leaves it entirely up to the buyer.
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2
Set a firm move-out date
Pick a date with some cushion for movers and delays. Agree on what happens if you're still there after it, such as a higher daily charge.
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3
Settle the money
Agree on the rent or fee, whether any money is held back at closing, and how and when it comes back to you after the walk-through.
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4
Cover the house while you're there
You no longer own the house, so the buyer insures the building. Ask your own insurer about coverage for your belongings and your liability while you stay. Agree on who pays utilities and handles repairs.
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5
Get it in writing and reviewed
Have the agreement written up with the sale and reviewed by the settlement company or an attorney, so both sides know the terms.
Cash offer vs listing
Example: a $250,000 home
| Offer | $205,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $0 |
| Commissions | $0 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| You walk away with | $205,000 |
| In 7 to 14 days | |
| Sale price | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | about $8,000 |
| Commissions | about $13,800 |
| Closing and holding | about $6,000 |
| You walk away with | about $222,200 |
| In 60 to 90 days | |
Example only. Your numbers depend on your home and market.
Ask about a rent-back when you get your numbers, and we'll show the cash offer next to what listing could net with your move-out plan in mind.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a rent-back last?
As long as you and the buyer agree to. If the buyer has a mortgage, their lender may have its own limits, so ask early.
Do I pay rent during a rent-back?
Usually some kind of rent or daily fee, but it's negotiable. Some buyers also hold back part of your proceeds until you move out.
Will a cash buyer agree to a rent-back?
Some will, so ask up front. Getting an offer is free and there is no obligation, so you can see the terms before you decide.
Who are you?
We are real estate investors based in Baltimore, helping homeowners since 2016. We buy houses directly for cash. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage and do not list homes ourselves; if listing could get you more, we show you the math so you can choose.