Yes, you can discuss a sale with tenants still in the house. A sale does not by itself cancel the lease or mean the tenants must leave. For residential tenancies covered by Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, a landlord may use the sale of a single-family residence as a reason to end the tenancy only with at least 90 days’ advance written notice and a genuine effort to sell after the tenant leaves, subject to the statute’s conditions and exceptions. This is not a blanket 90-day right to end every tenancy; the lease, tenancy type, property type, and statutory coverage matter. See RCW 59.18.650(2)(e).
A sale and a move-out are separate questions. Do not assume the deed transfer alone sets a move-out date or creates vacant possession. We will review the lease, notices, deposits, and possession plan with you before setting a closing date.
If the house remains rented, the landlord’s duty to comply with applicable housing codes continues while the tenancy is in effect. A sale does not itself clear a code concern. See RCW 59.18.060(1).
For the deposit handoff, keep the lease, deposit amount and records, any prepaid-rent information, and tenant communications together. We will review the deposit details with you as part of the occupancy and closing discussion; the arrangement for this sale should be reflected in the written terms.