What kind of contract is needed to sell property with a tenant?

[Allen Lucas]

I have a tenant who lives in my house who's lease is ending by the end of the month. I already discussed with her about a month to month lease term because I'm looking to sell the house. How should such a contract be written up so that she knows and agrees to the house being on the market while she is living there? 

[Lynn McGeein]

There should be a clause in your lease that allows access for maintenance, repairs, etc., upon x hours notice, like 24 or 48.  If it doesn't already include appraisers, home inspectors, potential buyers, etc., for either refinancing or selling, then just make sure you add it in going forward and that you honor the time period (a listing agent can put the required notice in the listing and put a security code on the lockbox so agents can't get in without permission).  Your tenant may want more than 24 hours notice, or maybe work with them to have scheduled showing times each Saturday afternoon, or offer a small rent credit for the inconvenience if they insure the place is straightened up before showings.   I've been in homes, however, where tenants actually leave the toilets not flushed, sinks full of dishes, etc., because they don't want to move so make the place uninviting to say the least.