Entry to the premises

When a tenant is renting a property or room, it is their home. The lessor/agent or manager may need to enter it for an inspection, repair or a viewing, but it is important that the tenant’s privacy is respected. The lessor/agent or manager can only enter a rental property for a valid reason and if the correct notice has been given.

Entry notice periods are shown in the table below:

Lawful purpose of entry	Notice	Further information
To inspect the premises	7 days	A maximum of one routine inspection in a three month period.
A follow up inspection to check a significant breach has been fixed	24 hours	Entry must occur within 14 days of the expiry date on the Notice to Remedy Breach (Form 11) or R11 for rooming accommodation.
To carry out repairs or maintenance to the premises including safety switch and smoke alarm installation	24 hours	Entry can occur without notice if the premises is located in a remote area and there is a shortage of tradespeople.
A follow up inspection to check on repairs undertaken	24 hours	Entry must occur within 14 days of the maintenance or repairs being completed.
To show the premises to a prospective purchaser	24 hours	A reasonable amount of time must have passed since the last entry for this reason. There are different rules for open houses.
To show the premises to a prospective tenant	24 hours	A reasonable amount of time must have passed since the last entry for this reason. There are different rules for open houses. The tenant must have also given a Notice of Intention to Leave (Form 13) or a Resident leaving Form R13 for rooming accommodation, or received a Notice to leave (Form 12) or Form R12 for rooming accommodation.
To allow a valuation of the premises	24 hours
If you reasonably believe the premises have been abandoned	24 hours
If the tenant agrees that you or your agent can enter	At the agreed time

Fast facts

The entry rules for rooming accommodation are different to general tenancies and moveable dwellings.
In most cases tenants must be given notice using the Entry notice (Form 9).
The exceptions are:
- in an emergency
- if the lessor/agent believes entry is necessary to protect the premises from damage that is about to happen
- if the tenant verbally agrees with the entry
- to carry out site maintenance in a caravan park (if specified in the tenancy agreement)
Entry must be at a reasonable time, between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, and if outside these hours or on a Sunday or public holiday, only if the tenant agrees.
If the lessor/agent is entering for a general inspection, they must specify a time or 2-hour window and must enter the premises within that time.
The 2-hour window timeframe does not apply to other people, such as a tradesperson.
The tenant does not have to be present during the entry, but it is recommended that they should be there.
The tenant cannot prevent the agent from entering if the correct notice, form and time have been given.
A tenant can dispute an entry by discussing the issue with the agent or lessor. If the issue has not been resolved the RTA’s Dispute Resolution Service can be used.
Entry relating to the sale of a property is discussed on our When a property is for sale page.