Selling a house in Buffalo can be a challenge—but when tenants are still living in the property, the process becomes even more complicated. Whether you’re a landlord looking to cash out or simply need to sell a rental property, you’ll need to decide whether to sell to a cash buyer or list traditionally on the market.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The challenges of selling a tenant-occupied property
✅ New York landlord-tenant laws you must follow
✅ Pros and cons of selling to a cash buyer vs. a traditional buyer
✅ Tips for getting the best price for your Buffalo rental property
If you’re wondering how to sell a house with tenants in Buffalo, this guide will help you navigate the process successfully.
Can You Sell a House in Buffalo with Tenants Still Living There?
Yes! You can sell a house with tenants in Buffalo, but the process depends on several factors:
✔️ Is the lease active or month-to-month?
✔️ Do you want to sell with tenants in place or ask them to leave?
✔️ Will the new buyer want to keep the tenants or use the property differently?
Selling a home with tenants means you need to respect tenant rights, follow New York landlord-tenant laws, and decide if you want a fast cash sale or a traditional listing.
Understanding New York Tenant Rights When Selling a Rental Property
Buffalo landlords must follow New York’s strict tenant laws when selling an occupied property. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Can You Sell a Property with an Active Lease?
Yes! If the tenant has a fixed-term lease, you can sell the home, but the new buyer must honor the lease until it expires.
If your buyer wants the tenant to leave, they’ll need to offer a lease buyout or wait until the lease ends.
2. Can You Ask a Tenant to Leave Before Selling?
If your tenant is on a month-to-month lease, you can give them a written notice to vacate. New York law requires:
✔️ 30 days’ notice if they’ve lived there for less than a year
✔️ 60 days’ notice if they’ve lived there 1-2 years
✔️ 90 days’ notice if they’ve lived there over 2 years
If they have a fixed-term lease, you cannot force them to leave early unless they violate the lease.
3. Can You Evict a Tenant to Sell the House?
You cannot evict a tenant just because you want to sell. However, you may proceed with eviction if the tenant is:
❌ Not paying rent
❌ Damaging the property
❌ Violating the lease agreement
Otherwise, your best option is to sell with tenants in place or negotiate a cash-for-keys agreement (offering money for them to vacate early).
Cash Buyers vs. Traditional Sales: Which Is Best for Selling a Tenant-Occupied Property?
Once you’ve decided to sell your Buffalo rental property, the next big decision is:
👉 Sell to a cash buyer (fast, as-is sale with tenants in place)
👉 List traditionally with a real estate agent (higher price, but longer process)
Option 1: Selling to a Cash Buyer (Fastest & Easiest)
✅ Sell As-Is – No Repairs Needed
✅ Close in 7-14 Days
✅ Keep Tenants in Place (Investors often want occupied rentals)
✅ No Showings or Open Houses
Best for: Landlords who want to sell quickly, avoid evictions, or skip the hassle of listing.
Option 2: Listing on the Market with a Realtor (Higher Price, But Slower)
✅ Potentially Higher Offer Price
✅ More Buyer Competition
❌ Must Schedule Showings Around Tenants
❌ Tenants May Refuse to Cooperate
❌ Financing Delays Can Slow Closing
Best for: Landlords with well-maintained properties and cooperative tenants who don’t mind a longer sale process.
Pros & Cons of Selling to a Cash Buyer vs. Traditional Sale
| Feature | Selling to a Cash Buyer | Listing with a Realtor |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ✅ Fast (7-14 days) | ❌ Slow (30-90+ days) |
| Tenant Stays? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Maybe |
| Repairs Required? | ✅ No – Sell As-Is | ❌ Yes – Usually Needed |
| Showings/Open Houses? | ✅ No | ❌ Yes – Requires Tenant Cooperation |
| Risk of Sale Falling Through? | ✅ No | ❌ Yes – Buyer Financing Could Fail |
| Best for Landlords Who: | ✅ Want a fast, hassle-free sale | ❌ Want to maximize sale price and have time to wait |
If you need to sell quickly, want to avoid dealing with tenants, or don’t want to make repairs, a cash sale is the easiest solution.
How to Get the Best Cash Offer for Your Buffalo Rental Property
If you decide to sell to a cash buyer, follow these steps to get the best deal:
1. Get Multiple Cash Offers
Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare prices from multiple local investors or cash buyers in Buffalo.
2. Verify the Buyer’s Reputation
✔️ Check Google & BBB reviews
✔️ Ask for proof of funds
✔️ Avoid lowball offers & upfront fees
3. Know Your Property’s Market Value
Even though cash buyers typically offer below market value, you should still research your property’s worth before negotiating.
4. Consider Offering a Tenant-Occupied Discount
Investors prefer rental properties with tenants and may pay more for a home that is already generating rental income.
Final Thoughts: Should You Sell Your Buffalo Rental Property for Cash?
Selling a rental property with tenants can be challenging, but a cash sale offers the fastest and easiest solution. If you:
✔️ Need to sell quickly
✔️ Have tenants in place and don’t want to evict them
✔️ Don’t want to make repairs or pay realtor fees
✔️ Want a guaranteed sale with no financing delays
Then a cash sale might be your best option.
However, if you have time to wait and your tenants are cooperative, listing with a real estate agent could get you a higher price.
Sell Your Buffalo Rental Property for Cash – Get a Free Offer Today!
If you’re ready to sell your Buffalo property fast, work with a trusted local cash buyer who can make you a fair, no-obligation offer.
📞 Call Now or Get a Free Cash Offer Online!