What is a Seller Lease Back?

Sometimes a seller needs a few extra days in the home after closing — maybe their next place isn’t quite ready. That’s where a seller lease-back comes in: a contract provision that lets the seller stay for a short, agreed period after the sale closes.

How a seller lease-back works in Texas

In Texas, a short post-closing stay is handled with the Seller’s Temporary Residential Lease — a standard TREC form used when the seller will remain in the home for 90 days or less after closing. The buyer (now the owner) and the seller agree on the length and a daily rate, which is often tied to the new owner’s daily carrying cost, though it can be set at no charge if that’s what’s negotiated.

Why it helps both sides

• For sellers: it removes the pressure of moving out before closing and avoids the risk of having to move twice if a sale were to fall through.
• For buyers: offering a lease-back can make your offer more attractive in a competitive situation — sometimes more than a higher price would.

A few things to watch

Stays longer than 90 days use a different lease and bring landlord-tenant rules into play, so they’re handled differently. It’s also smart to spell out the security deposit, utilities, and a final walkthrough for when the seller moves out. I’ll make sure those details are covered so there are no surprises on either side. You’ll find the forms at the Texas Real Estate Commission, and more answers on the seller FAQ.

Last updated: June 2026 · Reflects the current TREC Seller’s Temporary Residential Lease.