trying to sell a house that’s tenant occupied

[Natalie Cloutier]

We’ve offered them incentives, we’re honouring their preferred showing times (which is very restrictive) and doing everything we can to make this easier on them. They have a sick child so we offered them half month’s rent back as a sign of good faith that we’re sorry for putting them through this and they never said thank you and now they’re not paying their owed rent and ignoring us completely. Anybody been through something like this?? Any tips??

[Patricia Steiner]

You meant well and you're very kind.  And, you've given your control away.  The truth is the tenant has to pay rent, you're allowed to sell your property at any time, they have to accommodate showing requests (check your lease/landlord-tenant laws about notice) and you don't owe them incentives to do what you are lawfully allowed to do with your property.  Time to take control back.  I recommend issuing a Notice To Quit for Non-Payment of Rent today.  I would also note a Quit for failure to provide inspection/showing of unit with proper notice.  This action should get them to pay their rent immediately to cure the default and then do not discuss anything further. When you have a showing request, submit it in writing to them providing the proper notice.  Expect them to comply.  

Again, you acted respectfully and with kindness. They did not appreciate it so please do not reward unkindness with kindness.  No one is going to purchase the property with THAT non-paying, passive-aggressive tenant so time to cure the problem now.