How to Sell a Tenant-Occupied House in Georgia

Selling a rental property in Georgia while the tenant is still living there is legal — but Georgia landlord-tenant law (Title 44, Chapter 7) has specific requirements you have to follow. Get it wrong and you can lose your buyer or face tenant claims.

The Lease Follows the Home

When you sell in Georgia, the buyer inherits any existing written lease. If your tenant has 6 months left on a fixed-term lease, the buyer must honor it. Month-to-month tenants can be given 60 days’ notice to vacate under OCGA § 44-7-7.

Showing the Property

Georgia doesn’t have a strict statutory notice period for showings, but courts require “reasonable notice” — usually 24 hours. Most leases spell this out. If your tenant is uncooperative, showings become a real challenge.

Options for Selling With a Tenant

• Sell to another investor — cash buyers like Homeinc close fast, no showings needed
• Cash for keys — offer the tenant $1,000-3,000 to move out early
• Wait until lease ends
• List on MLS with the tenant — possible but hard

Security Deposit Transfer

OCGA § 44-7-33 requires you to transfer any security deposit to the buyer and notify the tenant in writing within 30 days.

Full Georgia tenant-occupied sale guide.