Keep it, with help
If the rent covers the costs and it's the day-to-day work wearing you down, a property manager may solve that without selling.
Selling a rental with tenants in Virginia
What Virginia's landlord-tenant law says about ending a tenancy, showing the house, telling tenants and handing over deposits.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
How it works in Virginia
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1
Read the lease first
A month-to-month tenancy can be ended with written notice at least 30 days before the next rent due date, unless the lease sets a different notice period. A fixed-term lease has its own terms, so check it before you plan around a move-out.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-1253
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2
Showings need notice
Tenants shouldn't unreasonably refuse entry to show the home to buyers. You have to give notice that you intend to enter and come at reasonable times.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-1229
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3
Tell tenants who bought it
When the property sells, the landlord must tell tenants in writing and give them the buyer's name, address and a phone number where the buyer can be reached.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-1216
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4
Deposits go to the new owner
At the transfer, security deposits and any interest earned on them go to the buyer. If a property manager holds them, you ask the manager in writing before settlement, and the manager tells each tenant.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-1213
Your real options
Sell for cash
A cash sale can close in as little as 7 days with no fees or commissions, and it means fewer showings to schedule around your tenants.
List it with an agent
Listing often brings a higher price, especially once the house is vacant and can be shown freely. We show the cash offer next to what listing could net so you can weigh the two.
See both numbers
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.
This page explains the general rules. It isn't legal advice. Your documents and situation may differ, so talk to an attorney who handles landlord-tenant matters about your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my Virginia rental while tenants live there?
Yes. You can show it to buyers with notice at reasonable times, and once it sells you must tell tenants in writing who the buyer is and how to reach them.
How much notice does a month-to-month tenant get?
Written notice at least 30 days before the next rent due date, unless the lease sets a different notice period.
What happens to the security deposits when I sell?
They go to the buyer at the transfer, along with any interest earned. If a property manager holds them, ask in writing before settlement.
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.