Renting out property in New Orleans can be a solid income stream, until you need to sell. Selling a house with tenants brings its own legal and logistical challenges, and Louisiana has specific rules that landlords need to understand before listing.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time landlord, this guide walks you through the essentials of selling a tenant-occupied property in New Orleans.
Understand the Lease Type: Month-to-Month vs. Fixed-Term
One of the first steps in selling a rental property is determining what kind of lease your tenants are under:
- Month-to-Month Lease: In Louisiana, you must give at least 10 days’ notice to terminate the lease. This gives you more flexibility if you plan to sell the home vacant.
- Fixed-Term Lease: If your tenants have a lease with an end date, you generally cannot remove them without cause before the lease ends. You’ll either need to wait until the lease expires or sell the property with the tenants in place.
Understanding the lease terms will guide how you market the property and whether you can offer vacant possession to a buyer.
Real Stories From Homeowners We’ve Worked with
Discover how local homeowners successfully sold their properties with ease and confidence through NOLA Buys Houses.
“Honest, fair, and fast , Carl completely changed my view of cash buyers.”
Cash house buyers have a bad reputation but my experience with Carl was the complete opposite. If you find yourself in a situation with a property and you need out quick NOLA BUYS HOUSES is a great option. Carl is honest and fair. He will give you a good price for your house regardless of it’s condition. He gave great advice for free too.
Nola Tour Guy
“Carl delivered a same-day offer and closed in under a week.”
Carl made selling Mom’s house easy and fast. We didn’t have much time to sell, and the house was in poor condition to even consider fixing up to sell. Carl came over quickly and had a bid the same day. The house is now completely sold and closed in less than one week. Thank you for your quick action!
Joe R.
Notify Your Tenants the Right Way
Tenants have rights, and clear communication goes a long way in maintaining trust and cooperation.
Provide written notice about your intent to sell and inform them how it may affect their tenancy. In most cases, it’s courteous (and often strategic) to assure tenants that their lease will be honored if the new buyer plans to keep the property as a rental.
This is especially important if your property is in disrepair. You may want to review this guide on selling a home with code violations in New Orleans to understand how to navigate compliance issues during a tenant-occupied sale.
Showings and Access: Know the Rules
In Louisiana, landlords must give tenants reasonable notice before entering the property, typically at least 24 hours.
When coordinating showings, work around the tenant’s schedule and try to group multiple showings together to reduce inconvenience. Incentives, like a rent discount, can encourage cooperation during this time.
If your property has sustained damage, such as from a storm or fire, this could affect access and buyer interest. If that’s your situation, check out our resource on selling a house after a fire or flood in New Orleans for important tips.
Offer Incentives for a Smooth Transition
Tenants may be wary of losing their home, so offering incentives can make the process smoother. Options include:
- Covering moving costs if they agree to vacate early
- Providing a positive reference for future rentals
- Offering a cash-for-keys deal
These incentives can be especially useful when selling a vacant or abandoned property is a more viable option for your goals.
Our blog on how to sell a vacant or abandoned property in New Orleans outlines why vacant homes often attract more investor attention.
How Do I Sell My Home Fast in New Orleans?
We’ve been buying homes in New Orleans since 2001 and have seen all types of property challenges. We’re local, family-owned, and understand how devastating floods and fires can be. Our home-buying process is simple:
Check Out How It Works
Learn exactly how we develop our offers and how the process works. It’s really very simple & easy.
Learn More About us
Before selling to us, get to know us. Everything we do is based on honesty and transparency.
Get Your Cash Offer
Fill in the form and we’ll contact you with your offer! There is no pressure & no obligation to accept.
Selling to a Cash Buyer: A Landlord’s Best Option?
If managing the legalities and logistics of selling with tenants feels overwhelming, consider selling to a local cash buyer.
Cash buyers are often willing to purchase tenant-occupied properties and can close quickly without traditional financing delays. This is especially useful if you’re juggling multiple properties or looking to liquidate assets fast.
NOLA Buys Houses has teamed up many landlords who sold their rental properties, occupied or not, with minimal hassle.
We understand local tenant laws, can work within your lease structure, and aim to make the transition seamless for both you and your tenants.
Make Informed Decisions
Selling a tenant-occupied house in New Orleans doesn’t have to be complicated. Know your lease, communicate openly, and explore your options.
Whether you decide to wait until the property is vacant or sell it with tenants in place, understanding your rights and responsibilities is key.
Want a free, fair offer for your tenant-occupied property? Contact us today to sell your house fast in New Orleans, with or without tenants. Just fill out the short form.