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KC Guide: Selling a Property Occupied by Tenants Who Won’t Leave

  • Writer: Alex Mulsoff
    Alex Mulsoff
  • Jun 14
  • 4 min read

Updated: Sep 20

TLDR: Yes, you can sell a Kansas City property even if tenants refuse to leave. Under Missouri and Kansas law, the lease transfers to the new owner, but problem tenants make most traditional buyers walk away. Options include offering “cash for keys,” starting eviction, or selling directly to a local as-is buyer like Riverfront Home Buyers who can handle tenants and legal issues without delays.

Selling a property is rarely simple especially when tenants won’t move out.


At Riverfront Homebuyers, we’ve helped dozens of local landlords in this exact situation across Kansas City. As a veteran- and family-operated company rooted right here in the metro, we offer calm, clear solutions that put your peace of mind first.


A man placing an eviction notice on a door.

Understanding Your Options


While laws vary slightly by state, the overall process and our ability to help stays the same.


When tenants won’t leave, Kansas City landlords typically consider three main options:

  • Formal Eviction (Last Resort): Eviction is a legal process that requires court filings, official notice, and possibly multiple hearings. In both Missouri and Kansas, this can take 30–90 days and cost thousands in legal fees. Riverfront doesn’t handle evictions—but we’ll walk you through what to expect and connect you with trusted resources.

  • Cash for Keys: A faster, voluntary alternative. Many Kansas City landlords offer tenants money to leave peacefully. We’ll help you understand how this works, and how to propose it respectfully and legally.

  • Selling Once Vacant: Riverfront typically requires the property to be vacant at closing—but even if tenants are still living there now, we can begin paperwork and walkthroughs. Closing can be scheduled once the tenants have moved out.


How Riverfront Homebuyers Can Help

We’re not just here to make an offer, we’re here to help you move forward with less stress.

  • Empathy and Transparency: We explain every step, every timeline, and every scenario with total clarity.

  • Local, Human Guidance: Whether you’re dealing with a hostile tenant or just overwhelmed by the process, we’re here with resources, local knowledge, and a listening ear.

  • Flexible Closing: You tell us what you need. We’ll work around your timeline and wait until the property is fully vacant to close.


Our Process

  1. Free, No-Pressure Walkthrough: We’ll assess your home, answer your questions, and give you options. You can also upload photos if you’re not ready for a visit yet.

  2. Transparent, Fair Offer: You’ll get a clear explanation of your offer and what it’s based on—no guesswork, no surprises.

  3. Simple, Stress-Free Closing: We handle the paperwork, coordinate with title, and adjust timelines based on your needs. No cleaning, no repairs, no open houses.


Why Kansas City Landlords Choose Riverfront

We’re a veteran-owned, BBB-accredited team that lives and works right here in the Kansas City area. Our clients come to us because they’re tired of runaround, high-pressure tactics, or unclear next steps. We do things differently—rooted in empathy, transparency, and local know-how.


If your property is occupied by tenants who won’t leave or you're just unsure what to do next, we’re here to help you move forward, your way.


Call us at 816.448.8164 or fill out this short form to see what’s possible.



Frequently Asked Questions: Selling a Property Occupied by Tenants Who Won’t Leave


What should I do if my tenants refuse to leave my Kansas City property?

Start by learning your legal rights and timeline. In some cases, offering a “cash for keys” solution is faster than formal eviction. Riverfront can walk you through both scenarios and help you decide what makes sense.


How long does eviction take in Kansas or Missouri?

Eviction timelines vary. In most Kansas City–area counties, the full process can take 30–90 days. Courts are often backed up, and delays are common—especially if tenants contest the case.


Can I still sell my house if tenants are still living there?

Yes. Riverfront can begin the process and sign an agreement now. We’ll schedule closing for after the tenants leave, so everything moves forward without pressure.


Is “cash for keys” legal in Kansas City?

Yes. It’s a common solution that avoids the courtroom. You agree with your tenant on a move-out date and offer financial help or forgiveness in exchange. We’ll explain how to do it safely and respectfully.


Why work with Riverfront Homebuyers?

We’re local. We’re honest. And we’ll meet you where you are—no pressure, no gimmicks. Our team understands how complicated it can be when tenants won’t leave, and we’ll walk beside you every step.


Do I have to pay for a walkthrough?

Never. Walkthroughs are always free, and if you’re not ready for a visit, you can just upload pictures. Either way, we’ll give you answers, not a sales pitch.



About the Author

Alex Mulsoff, co-founder of Riverfront Home Buyers, brings deep Kansas City roots and hands-on experience in demolition and construction. With over a decade working in Local 101 trades, Alex understands hard work and honesty. Now leading acquisitions, he helps homeowners navigate inherited or challenging property sales with care, clear guidance, and no pressure.


Reviews:

Riverfront Home Buyers is a veteran-owned, family-run business in Kansas City and a BBB-accredited company with an A rating, trusted by local families across Missouri and Kansas. Click here to read more reviews. “We had a great experience working with this company. We needed to sell the house so we could by a new house in a different state. We needed to stay in the house for a couple weeks after the sale and they worked with us and we were able to do just that. Everything went smoothly and happened just as scheduled. Staying in contact with this buyer was easy and we had no issues. 10/10 would recommend” - Analee Evans


“Working with Alex was so easy to work with and was very understanding of our situation. My husband and I had a rental property that had a bad fire about a year ago. We were unable to sell it and with Alex we were able to move on in less than a month. I highly recommend Riverfront Homebuyers!” - Grace Driscoll

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