Selling a Tenant-Occupied Property in Charleston: What Owners Need to KnowBy Brandon Bott — Charleston Realtor Since 2012

Dec 9

Owning a rental in Charleston or Mount Pleasant is common — and so is eventually deciding it’s time to sell. But when you have a tenant still living in the property, things get more complicated.

Here’s what to know if you’re thinking about selling a tenant-occupied home.

1. Decide: Sell to an Investor or an Owner-Occupant?

You typically have two main paths:

Option 1: Sell to another investor

Tenant stays
Lease is transferred
Buyer inherits that income stream

Option 2: Sell to an owner-occupant

Buyer intends to live in the home
Timing must align with lease end or proper notice

Your strategy affects pricing, timing, and marketing.

2. Check the Lease Terms Carefully

Before you list, review:

Lease end date
Renewal terms
Notice requirements
Showing or access clauses

You need to know exactly what you can and cannot do by contract.

3. Coordinate Showings Respectfully with Tenants

Tenants still have rights and lives.

Best practices:

Give ample notice for showings
Cluster appointments when possible
Offer flexibility or incentives for cooperation (like reduced rent during the showing period, where appropriate and allowed)

A cooperative tenant can make the entire process smoother.

4. Understand How Tenant Presence Affects Value

Investor buyers may see value in a well-paying, stable tenant already in place.

Owner-occupants may see it as:

An inconvenience
A delay in move-in
A barrier to “falling in love” with the home

Sometimes it’s best to:

Wait until the lease ends
Freshen the property
Then list vacant for maximum appeal

5. Plan for Condition and Presentation

Tenant-occupied homes may:

Have more clutter
Show more wear
Be less “photo-ready”

You may need:

Extra cleaning before photos
Simple landscaping refresh
Clear communication with the tenant about expectations

6. Be Realistic About Timing

Tenant-occupied sales can:

Take longer
Limit showing windows
Attract more investor interest than homeowner interest

With proper planning and pricing, they can still sell well — but expectations matter.

Final Thoughts

Selling a tenant-occupied property in Charleston or Mount Pleasant requires more coordination — but with the right strategy and communication, it can be done smoothly and profitably.

Call or text me at 843-754-9737.