We Buy Houses with Tenants — Even If They Are Not Paying Rent

The rental market has changed dramatically in recent years. Economic uncertainty, job losses, and rising costs of living have made it increasingly difficult for many tenants to keep up with rent payments. At the same time, landlords face their own financial pressures: mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs do not stop just because rent is not coming in.

In El Paso specifically, the rental market presents unique challenges. With a significant military population due to Fort Bliss, landlords often deal with frequent tenant turnover and the complications that come with military relocations and PCS moves. Additionally, the border economy creates fluctuations in employment that can affect tenants ability to pay consistently.

Many landlords we work with have tried everything: payment plans, partial rent acceptance, even helping tenants find assistance programs. But sometimes, despite best efforts, the situation simply does not improve. When you have been carrying a non‑paying tenant for months, the financial and emotional toll becomes unsustainable.

Before exploring your options for selling, it is important to understand your legal rights as a landlord in Texas. The Texas Property Code governs landlord‑tenant relationships and provides specific procedures for handling non‑paying tenants.

Notice Requirements: In Texas, if a tenant fails to pay rent, you must provide written notice before filing for eviction. For month‑to‑month tenancies, you must give at least one month notice. For leases with specific terms, the notice period depends on the lease agreement.

Eviction Process: The formal eviction process in Texas involves filing a lawsuit in Justice Court, serving the tenant with a citation, attending a court hearing, obtaining a judgment, and then waiting for a constable to physically remove the tenant if they do not leave voluntarily. This entire process typically takes 3‑6 weeks minimum, but can stretch to several months if the tenant contests the eviction or files for bankruptcy.

Self‑Help Eviction is Illegal: Texas law strictly prohibits landlords from taking matters into their own hands. You cannot change locks, remove tenant belongings, shut off utilities, or use intimidation to force a tenant out. Doing so can result in significant legal liability and potential lawsuits against you.

Selling with Tenants: Here is the good news: you have the legal right to sell your property even with tenants in place. The lease typically transfers to the new owner, but when you sell to a cash buyer like us, we take on all tenant responsibilities and handle any necessary transitions.

You might wonder how we can purchase properties with non‑paying or problem tenants when traditional buyers cannot. The answer lies in our business model and experience.

We Are Investors, Not Homeowners: Unlike traditional buyers who need a move‑in ready home, we are professional real estate investors. We have systems in place for handling tenant situations, whether that means working with existing tenants, facilitating their relocation, or going through the eviction process ourselves if necessary.

We Have the Resources: We have the financial resources to handle tenant‑related costs and the legal expertise to navigate complex situations. We also have relationships with property managers, attorneys, and other professionals who help us resolve tenant issues efficiently.

We Buy for Long‑Term Investment: We are not looking for a quick flip. We often hold properties long‑term as rentals or make strategic improvements before reselling. This long‑term perspective allows us to take on properties that other buyers would avoid.

We Understand the Numbers: We know how to accurately assess the value of a property with tenant issues and make offers that work for both parties. We factor in all the costs and risks, but we also see the potential that others might miss.

This is a common question, and it is one we take seriously. We handle tenant situations professionally and ethically.

For Non‑Paying Tenants: We have the resources and experience to handle the eviction process if necessary. However, we often work with tenants to find solutions that work for everyone, including cash‑for‑keys agreements where we pay tenants to vacate voluntarily.

For Paying Tenants: If the tenant is current on rent and wants to stay, we may honor the existing lease and become their new landlord. This provides continuity for good tenants while giving you the exit you need.

For Problem Tenants: We have systems in place to handle difficult tenant situations safely and legally. We work with attorneys and property managers who specialize in these scenarios.

The key point is this: once we purchase your property, the tenant situation becomes our responsibility, not yours. You are free from the stress, liability, and financial burden.