In Victoria, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain a property in a reasonably good state of repair. This covers both structural issues and essential fixtures and fittings, ensuring the property is safe and habitable for tenants – and ultimately, presentable for a future sale.
As of December 2025, this translates to responsibilities including maintaining the building’s structure (roof, walls, foundations), essential services like plumbing and electrical systems, and appliances provided as part of the tenancy agreement. Currently in Melbourne, particularly in the Eastern Suburbs where many properties are established family homes, this often means addressing issues like leaking roofs, faulty heating/cooling systems, or damaged hot water services. While a landlord isn’t generally responsible for repairs caused by tenant damage, they *are* responsible for ensuring the property meets minimum standards. Sellers preparing a property for market in 2026 often proactively address known maintenance issues to maximise appeal. We at Fletchers frequently observe that buyers in areas like Balwyn and Doncaster favour well-maintained properties, and are willing to pay a premium for them. Addressing these repairs before engaging a marketing campaign – typically costing between $3,000 and $8,000 – can significantly impact the final sale price. It’s important to note that changes announced for 2027 will introduce minimum energy efficiency standards, potentially adding to these responsibilities.
Understanding these obligations is crucial for sellers, as a well-maintained property presents better and attracts a wider pool of potential buyers.