Selling a Florida Home After a Tenant Eviction

Just Got the Tenant Out? Here’s What Happens Next

Going through an eviction is exhausting. Whether it took weeks or months to finally get the tenant out, you’ve likely reached the end of your rope. Now that the place is finally empty, you’re probably thinking—“Can I sell this home and move on already?”

You can. And honestly, now might be the best time.

But here’s the thing—selling a house after an eviction isn’t just about putting a For Sale sign in the yard. You’ve got a few steps to take first. Some cleanup. A few legal details. And maybe a little strategy if you want to avoid dragging things out or spending a fortune on repairs.

This guide breaks it down: what to expect after an eviction, how to get the property ready, and how companies like 904 Home Buyer can help you sell the home quickly—even if it’s a mess.

Walk the Property (And Brace Yourself)

Once the tenant is officially gone, take a deep breath and go see what you’re working with. Every eviction leaves a different kind of aftermath. Sometimes it’s just a dirty carpet and some junk mail. Other times… it’s not that pretty.

Here’s what to check for:

• Trash or furniture left behind
  
• Holes in the walls, broken doors, or missing appliances
  
• Bad smells (smoking, pets, or who-knows-what)
  
• Signs of mold, pests, or water damage
  
• Anything that could be dangerous or a liability
  
  

Document everything—photos, videos, notes. You may need them if you plan to take legal action for damages or if you’re filing an insurance claim.

Secure the Home Right Away

Once the home is vacant, it’s vulnerable. Former tenants have been known to sneak back in. Or neighbors may notice the place is empty and let squatters know it’s fair game.



Here’s what to do:

• Change all the locks
  
• Re-key any exterior doors
  
• Board up broken windows if needed
  
• Shut off unnecessary utilities
  
• Let the neighbors know it’s no longer occupied
  
  

You want the place locked down before any new problems show up.

Should You Fix It Up or Sell It As-Is?

This is the big question. Do you spend money fixing the place to get top dollar? Or sell it fast and walk away without the headache?

If You Want to Fix It:

• Be ready to spend money upfront on repairs, cleaning, and maybe landscaping
  
• You’ll need a good contractor (and time to manage the work)
  
• After that, you’ll list it with an agent, go through showings, inspections, and wait for the right buyer
  
• It might take 60 to 90 days to close—sometimes longer

If you’re in a hot market and the home isn’t too damaged, fixing and listing might make sense. But…

If You’d Rather Be Done:

Selling as-is might be the better move.

• You skip the repairs and cleanup
  
• You don’t have to list, wait, or negotiate with traditional buyers
  
• You can sell to a cash buyer like 904 Home Buyer, who will take the property in its current condition—damaged, dirty, or even trashed
  
• You avoid commissions, fees, and delays

Most landlords sell as-is after an eviction. It’s faster, less stressful, and keeps costs low.

Don’t Skip the Legal Stuff

After an eviction, there are still some laws to follow—especially if your ex-tenant left belongings behind.

In Florida, if a tenant leaves items behind, you might be required to:

• Store them for a short period (usually 10–15 days)
  
• Post a notice telling the tenant how to claim them
  
• If they don’t respond, you can dispose of the items
  
  

Also check for any unpaid utility bills, code violations, or property liens. You’ll want to clear these before closing or disclose them to the buyer.

Real Story: From Eviction Mess to Sale in 10 Days

One landlord in Duval County called 904 Home Buyer after evicting a tenant who’d stopped paying rent during a job loss. The property had trash everywhere, carpet stains, and a hole in the bathroom wall. He didn’t want to fix anything—he just wanted out.

We made him a cash offer the same day, handled all the paperwork, and closed in 10 days. He didn’t clean a thing. No contractors. No agents. Just a clean break.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

After an eviction, most sellers just want to move on. That’s understandable. But rushing without a plan can lead to more problems. Here’s what not to do:

• Don’t try to hide major damage—it’ll come out during inspection or closing
  
• Don’t overprice the home if you list it traditionally—especially if it needs work
  
• Don’t leave it unsecured—vacant homes attract trouble
  
• Don’t wait too long—code violations or squatters can pile up quickly
• Don’t forget about liens, unpaid taxes, or HOA fees
  

How 904 Home Buyer Makes It Simple

Evictions are stressful enough. Selling the home after shouldn’t be.

At 904 Home Buyer, we work with Florida landlords every week who just want a fast, fair way to sell after a bad rental situation.



Here’s how we help:

• Buy as-is (even if it’s messy, damaged, or smells bad)
  
• No showings, repairs, or waiting
  
• Fast cash offers and flexible closing dates
  
• Handle the paperwork, title, and even leftover tenant junk
  
  

If you’ve just wrapped up an eviction, or you're thinking about starting one and want to sell after, we’re here to help you through it.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home after an eviction isn’t just about the property—it’s about peace of mind. Whether the place is a total mess or just needs a deep clean, you’ve got options.

You can fix it and list it, or you can sell it as-is and move on.

If you’re leaning toward the second option, let 904 Home Buyer make it simple. We’ll buy the property directly, no agents or commissions. You get cash, a quick close, and one less problem on your plate.

Need to sell fast after an eviction? Let’s talk. No pressure. Just solutions.