Guide
Can I Sell a House With Tenants Living In It?
Yes — and you generally do not need to evict first.
Short answer
Yes. You can sell a tenant-occupied property, and an existing lease normally transfers with the property to the new owner.
How leases transfer
A written lease generally survives the sale. The buyer becomes the landlord under the same terms, and security deposits are credited to the buyer at closing so the tenant's deposit stays intact.
Month-to-month and non-paying tenants
Month-to-month tenancies can typically be terminated with proper notice under Ohio law. If a tenant is not paying, you can sell without completing an eviction; the buyer takes the situation on.
Access and notice
Tenants are entitled to reasonable notice before entry. If access is limited, a buyer can still make an offer based on exterior review and available information, with the added uncertainty priced in and stated openly.
Keep reading
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