How do you show house for rent, while currently occupied

Question

So current tanent breaking lease due to personal reasons (not working out between the couple, she is out already )

he may leave June end ,  she gave tentative date about vacating the house so far, will ask them to sign mutual lease termination in couple days.

meanwhile I posted ad for rent as a coming soon, already started getting applications and interest.

wondering what worked best for others in similar situations,  and whats best way to show the property to potential tenants.

should I add more pics or plan a open house one weekend or any other ideas  ?

please suggest

Matt M. · Answer

@Ron Singh

I don’t ever show an occupied property. I’ve had it done to me and I think it’s an invasion of privacy having a bunch of random people walking thru.

And once covid hit, that’s a whole new thing.

Julie Hartman · Answer

@Ron Singh The tenant cannot have their cake and eat it too. If they don't want you to show in person then they can't balk when you post current photos/video. We tell tenants that we ARE showing, whether they like it or not. Our lease gives us that right and they signed the lease knowing this eventuality. We do not allow/expect an applicant to sign a lease for a property they haven't viewed in person.

Scott M. · Answer

This really depends on a lot of factors like the condition of the home and the attitude of the tenant. In those rare cases that both of those items line up perfectly we talk to the current tenant and remind them (if they complain) about the condition in their lease that allows us to show the property. COVID brings in some extra fun and in the heat of COVID we didn't do this type of showing and waiting for the current tenant to leave, was just easier and cut down on liability. In stead we took photos/video and showed prospects and said they can see post move out. It worked out well.

If the home is not in good enough condition or the tenant has an attitude we don't show until post move out. Have found if those two things don't align we are simply wasting leads time and money.

We also always have someone present to run interference between the two tenants.

If the home is not in good enough condition or the tenant has an attitude we don't show until post move out.  Have found if those two things don't align we are simply wasting leads time and money.

We also always have someone present to run interference between the two tenants.

Matt M. · Answer

Depending on what your lease states, you can go in with 24 hours notice. Again, not something I do/would do. Say  he says he’ll be out July 1, new people set to move in July 2 and the place is a mess, needs repairs, the guy doesn’t leave and your new tenants are now homeless. Yeah, not something that interests me. I’d rather lose a week or two or 4 of rent and clean/fix/show after it’s vacant.

Ron Singh · Answer

@Matt M. @Nathan G. @Theresa Harris @Gail K. @Julie Hartman @Scott M.

Quick update : So, as she already moved out, but he is still there, i am setting up a showing for sunday afternoon got few applications and intrests already, however he(tanent) sent a text that he might be out of town, so he is saying to try to setup later on sunday.

with past experiences,  i dont trust him and want to play safe -

- what if he is not present and home is locked, can i get in with my key for the showing. (i can leave a notice 48hr prior to scheduled time)

- or should i reach out to her(other tanent on lease who moved out), and see if she can be there to provide access to property.

- just to make sure he dosen't create any drama if i enter without thier presense.

-also getting the lease termination aggrement signed soon, so i can get the exact move out date.

Ron Singh · Answer

Thanks for your responses  @Matt M., @Nathan G.@Theresa Harris@Gail K.@Julie Hartman@Scott M.

with covid, I agree it gives another reason to tenant to avoid showing.

wondering, if anyone tried using prior pics/videos from last year(for ad purpose). wondering if I can use them to post on Zillow etc, hope there are no issues and legal concerns. as nothing, much changed since then (except current tenant's furniture)

meanwhile, trying to organize a couple of showing schedules when I meet the tenant soon.

I appreciate all your suggestions :)

Nathan Gesner · Answer

My lease states they are responsible for rent until a new renter takes over. If they help me rent the place by keeping it tidy and participating in showing requests, I'll find a renter quicker and they won't owe as much. If they refuse to help out, it will take longer to rent and I'll hold them responsible for the rent.

Ron Singh · Answer

Yes, I do have a clause in the lease related to showing/entry as shown here, looks like 24hrs notice should be enough, however, I can do give 48 hr notice (due to covid )-

let me know if I am missing anything.

Theresa Harris · Answer

If they are leaving at then end of June, get it in writing from both of them.  Tell them they need to make the place available for showings and that you will group the bookings together to minimize the disruption.  Also read the lease, so they know if there are any penalties to breaking it.  If they are breaking the lease, often they are responsible for paying the rent until the lease is up or it is rented (whichever is first).  So it is in their best interests to help you get it rented ASAP.

Gail K. · Answer

Uh, you might want to point out to your current tenants that because THEY are breaking their lease it would be in their best interests to 1. maintain the rental unit in the best shape possible for showings and 2. allow showings as quickly as possible so that it can be re-rented.

Unless you have an early buy out termination clause in your lease and they have paid this they continue to owe rent until the lease would normally expire.  Frankly, who cares if their love nest has gone sour?   That's not your problem.  These two need to cooperate in terms of getting the unit re rented as quickly as possible so they can both go on their merry way without the shadow of extra months (typically at least two if these are remaining on their current lease) hanging their heads.

How do you show house for rent, while currently occupied

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