A sale usually doesn't end the lease
In general, selling a rental doesn't cancel an existing lease. The buyer takes the house subject to the lease, and the security deposit and lease records transfer at closing. West Virginia's landlord-tenant statutes and your lease set the rules for notice and access, so plan any walkthrough with your tenant ahead of time.
Buyers who want occupied rentals
Some buyers specifically look for occupied single-family houses and small multifamily buildings in places like Charleston, St. Albans, Nitro and Elkview. Your tenant doesn't need to move out first. Tell us whether the lease is month-to-month or fixed-term, the rent, and whether it's current.
What to have ready
- Current leases and any written changes.
- Security deposit amounts.
- Recent repairs and anything still open.
- Who pays which utilities.
Rent problems and evictions
If a tenant is behind, say so up front. Evictions in West Virginia go through the courts; never change locks or cut utilities to force someone out. A landlord-tenant attorney can explain your options. Some buyers will purchase with an eviction underway and some won't.
Selling in another state? See the Alabama and Pennsylvania versions of this page.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws and procedures change, so check with a licensed attorney, tax professional or HUD-approved housing counselor about your situation. UglyDuck is a home-buying and lead-generation service: we may buy your house ourselves or share your request with a trusted local buyer.