Dealing with a landlord who isn’t addressing necessary repairs is a common issue for Victorian renters, and can understandably cause stress when you’re considering selling your own property. As of December 2025, the process involves specific steps outlined by Consumer Affairs Victoria, but doesn’t directly impact the property selling process itself.
Currently in Melbourne, a landlord’s obligation to maintain a property in a reasonably habitable condition is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. If repairs aren’t made after a formal written request, tenants can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). While this is a tenant’s recourse, it’s relevant to sellers because unresolved maintenance issues can negatively impact a property’s perceived value. In the Melbourne Eastern Suburbs, where family homes near schools are in high demand, potential buyers in 2026 will favour properties that present well and demonstrate consistent upkeep. A history of tenant disputes, even if resolved, might raise questions. Preparing a property for sale typically involves addressing deferred maintenance – budgeting $2,000 – $8,000 for styling and $400 – $800 per room for painting is common, and often includes rectifying issues that a tenant might have previously reported. Fletchers’ experience shows that proactively addressing these concerns can significantly improve buyer confidence and ultimately, sale price.
Understanding the tenant/landlord framework provides context for potential property condition issues, but preparing your own property for sale requires a separate, proactive approach focused on presentation and market appeal.