Can I Rent Back My Home After Selling in Las Vegas?

by Ryan Rose

You've sold your home but your next place isn't ready yet. Or you need time to move. A rent-back agreement (also called a lease-back or post-closing possession) lets you stay temporarily after closing. Here's how it works.

What Is a Rent-Back Agreement?

A rent-back is an arrangement where, after closing, you remain in the home as a tenant of the new owner for a specified period. You pay rent, they own the home, but you haven't moved yet.

Why Sellers Request Rent-Backs

Your next home isn't ready (new construction delays, closing timing)
You need time to find your next place
Moving logistics require extra days
School year timing (want kids to finish the term)
Job relocation timeline doesn't align perfectly

Typical Rent-Back Terms

Term	Common Range
Duration	7-60 days (longer possible but less common)
Daily rent	Buyer's daily PITI cost (or negotiated amount)
Security deposit	Often held from sale proceeds (1-2 months rent)
Insurance	Seller maintains or buyer adds coverage

How Rent Is Calculated

Common approaches:

Buyer's carrying cost: Calculate the buyer's daily mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, and HOA. This is what you pay per day.

Market rent: What would the home rent for? Divide by 30 for daily rate.

Negotiated flat rate: A total amount for the rent-back period.

Free rent-back: Sometimes buyers offer a few days free as a concession to close the deal.

How It's Structured

Rent-back terms are typically documented in:

An addendum to the purchase contract
A separate short-term lease agreement

The document should specify:

Exact start and end dates
Rent amount and payment method
Security deposit terms
Who pays utilities
Insurance requirements
Penalties for overstaying
Move-out condition requirements

Lender Restrictions

Buyer's lenders sometimes limit rent-backs:

Conventional loans: Often allow up to 60 days
FHA loans: Generally allow up to 60 days
VA loans: May have stricter limits
Investment loans: May not allow rent-backs

Longer rent-backs may require the buyer to qualify as an investor rather than owner-occupant, which changes their loan terms.

Security Deposit Handling

Typically, funds are held from your sale proceeds at closing:

Escrow holds the security deposit
After you vacate and home is inspected
Deposit is released to you (minus any deductions)

This protects the buyer if you damage the property or overstay.

Risks for Sellers

You're a tenant. You've lost ownership rights. The buyer could theoretically start eviction if you violate terms.

Insurance gaps. Make sure there's coverage during your tenancy.

Overstay penalties. Most agreements have steep daily penalties if you don't vacate on time.

Risks for Buyers

Seller won't leave. Evicting a former owner is possible but unpleasant.

Damage to property. Security deposit may not cover significant damage.

Delays their plans. They can't move in or renovate until you're out.

Negotiating Rent-Backs

Tips for getting a rent-back approved:

Ask upfront. Include it in your listing or counter-offer. Surprises later in negotiation are harder.

Keep it short. 2-4 weeks is easier to accept than 3 months.

Offer fair rent. Asking for free extended stays may cost you the deal.

Provide flexibility elsewhere. If asking for rent-back, be flexible on price or other terms.

The Bottom Line

Rent-back agreements solve timing problems and are common in real estate transactions. If you need time after closing, request it early, keep the duration reasonable, and document terms clearly. Most buyers will accommodate reasonable rent-back requests, especially if it helps close the deal.

Need to coordinate selling with your next move? Let's discuss timing strategies.