It is important to provide a tenant with a secure home and respect and protect their privacy.

According to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act), property managers/owners can enter tenanted premises by giving tenants appropriate entry notice and reason.

Tenants must be given 7 days notice before entry takes place for general inspections. A property manager/owner can set a specific time or give a 2-hour window in which entry can occur (e.g. entry to occur between 9-11am).

A minimum of 24 hours notice must be given before the proposed entry time in all other situations, including allowing tradespeople in for repairs and maintenance, showing a prospective buyer or tenant the property, or to conduct a valuation of the premises.

When a property manager/owner wants to conduct an open house where the premises for sale or re-let are entered and inspected by multiple prospective buyers or tenants, written permission must be sought from the tenant. The tenant must also receive at least 24 hours notice for the open house.

The same rule applies for conducting an on-site auction. Tenants must give permission in writing.

Any proposed entry must occur at a reasonable time and, unless the tenant agrees, must not be on Sundays or public holidays, or any other day before 8am or after 6pm. Penalties apply for unlawful entry.

Property managers/owners must also have a tenant’s written permission before using photos showing their belongings in any form of advertising.

For more information on entering a rental property or selling a tenanted property, you can tune into the recording of our webinar on entry notices and breaches or contact the RTA direct on 1300 366 311.