Communicating with tenants when preparing to sell a property involves navigating legal requirements and maintaining positive relationships. As of December 2025, Victorian legislation dictates specific notice periods and access provisions for landlords intending to sell.
Currently in Melbourne, the standard notice period to tenants for property access – for inspections, photography, or styling – is 24 hours’ written notice. Sellers typically encounter a 60-day notice period if the fixed-term lease is ending, or 60 days’ notice with a valid reason (like a genuine sale) during a periodic tenancy. In the Eastern Suburbs, where family homes are highly sought after, minimising disruption to tenants is particularly important to maintain property presentation. Fletchers agents routinely manage these communications, ensuring compliance and aiming for a collaborative approach. We often find that open communication regarding the sales campaign timeline – typically 4-6 weeks in 2026 – and providing ample notice for inspections helps foster a positive experience. It’s also common for sellers to offer incentives, such as a professional cleaning service post-inspection, as a gesture of goodwill. The process can be more complex with multiple tenants or those with specific needs, requiring careful consideration.
Effective tenant communication is a crucial component of a successful sales campaign in Melbourne, balancing legal obligations with the desire to present the property in its best light.