So You're Selling Your California Crib...But There's a Tiny Tenant Trotting Around?
Congratulations! You've decided to embark on the wild ride of selling your house in the ever-sunny (and sometimes mysteriously foggy) California. Visions of rolling in that sweet, sweet sale money are dancing in your head. But hold on to your surfboard, there's a little hurdle to navigate first: your trusty tenant, the one who (hopefully) hasn't turned your pristine palace into a heavy metal concert venue every night.
The 120-Day Dance: Not the Latest TikTok Craze
Here's the thing, California law understands that kicking someone out onto the street (metaphorically, unless they've really let the place go) isn't exactly neighbourly. So, they've mandated a 120-day notice for tenants when you're selling a house. Yes, 120 days, which is roughly the same amount of time it takes to learn how to play the ukulele and then realize it's a terrible idea (but hey, at least you'll have a new skill to impress potential buyers?).
Don't panic! This 120-day window isn't a prison sentence. It's more like a forced salsa lesson with your tenant. You can (and should) still show the house during this time, with 24-hour notice to your tenant of course. Think of it as a chance for them to unleash their inner interior decorator and stage the place like a spread from a glossy home magazine (cue frantic furniture rearranging and questionable throw pillow choices).
The Upside of the 120-Day Mambo
Look at the bright side, sunshine lovers! This 120-day period gives your tenant ample time to find a new digs. A happy tenant who finds a great new place is less likely to throw a metaphorical wrench into the selling process (like, say, mysteriously "forgetting" about all those showings).
Plus, you can use this time to communicate openly with your tenant. Maybe offer to help them spruce up the place before showings, or even explore buyouts (where you offer them some financial incentive to vacate early - consult a lawyer on the legalities though!).
Remember, a little transparency and maybe even a shared margarita (it is California, after all) can go a long way in this whole selling-with-a-tenant tango.
Just be sure the margarita isn't spilled on the new carpet your tenant so thoughtfully installed.
