Can I evict my tenant to sell the house?

You can pursue eviction through the courts if the tenant has violated the lease or if you have a month-to-month tenancy. However, eviction takes time and money. Selling to a cash buyer who will buy with the tenant in place is often faster and less expensive.

Does a tenant have to leave when I sell the house?

Not necessarily. Tenants with active leases generally have the right to remain until the lease expires. Month-to-month tenants can be given notice, but must be given proper notice under Missouri law.

How much notice do I need to give tenants before selling in Missouri?

Missouri law requires landlords to provide at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. If tenants have a fixed-term lease, you may need to wait until the lease expires unless the tenant agrees to vacate early.

Can I sell a rental property with tenants still living in it in Kansas City?

Yes. Cash buyers often purchase rental properties with tenants in place, which avoids the need to evict or wait for leases to expire. This is one of the most common reasons landlords choose a cash sale over a traditional listing.

Do tenants have the right to buy the property before I sell it in Missouri?

Missouri does not have a statewide right-of-first-refusal law for residential tenants, so you are generally not required to offer the property to tenants before selling to a third party. Check your lease agreement for any specific clauses.

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February 1, 2025

Selling a tenant-occupied property in Missouri can be complicated, but it's far from impossible. This guide explains your rights, your tenants' rights, and the fastest ways to sell.

Understanding Landlord-Tenant Law in Missouri

Missouri landlord-tenant law provides specific protections for tenants, even when a property is being sold. Tenants with active leases generally have the right to remain in the property until their lease expires, regardless of a change in ownership. Month-to-month tenants can typically be given notice to vacate, but the notice period varies.

Notifying Tenants of the Sale

Missouri law requires landlords to provide proper notice to tenants in connection with a property sale. The specific requirements depend on the lease terms and the type of tenancy. Working with a real estate attorney can help ensure you comply with all applicable requirements.

Option 1: Wait for the Lease to Expire

If your tenant has a fixed-term lease, you can wait for it to expire before selling. This gives you the ability to sell the property vacant, which can be easier and may result in a higher sale price. However, it also means waiting, which may not be practical if you need to sell quickly.

Option 2: Sell With Tenants in Place

Selling a tenant-occupied property is entirely possible, and in some cases can even be an advantage — particularly for investor buyers who want a property with existing rental income. The key is finding a buyer who is willing to take on the tenant relationship.

Option 3: Sell to a Cash Buyer

Selling to a cash buyer like Midwest Equity Advisors is often the fastest and simplest option for landlords with difficult tenants. We buy tenant-occupied properties as-is and handle the tenant situation after closing. You don't need to evict, negotiate, or wait for leases to expire.

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County-Specific Resources

Jackson County MO, Clay County MO, Platte County MO, Cass County MO, Johnson County KS, Wyandotte County KS, Sedgwick County KS, Shawnee County KS

Statewide Guides

Selling a House As-Is, How Long Does a Cash Sale Take, Sell Without a Realtor, What Is a Cash Home Buyer

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Still have questions about selling your house in Missouri or Kansas? Contact Midwest Equity Advisors to discuss your options or request a no-obligation cash offer.