What is Adequate Notice Before Entering a Rental Property?
Providing your tenant with notice for entry ensures privacy and the right to quiet enjoyment of their home, but what is the correct kind of notice to issue?
According to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, Property Managers/Landlords are allowed to enter rental premises by giving tenants the appropriate entry notice and reason for entry. A timeframe must be provided, as also stated by the RTA’s entry notice.
Seven (7) days’ notice is the timeframe given before a routine inspection takes place. A Property Manager/Landlord can set a specific time or give a two hour window in which entry can occur.
In other situations, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given before the proposed entry time. This includes the entry of tradespeople for repairs and maintenance, prospective buyers or tenants for inspection, or to conduct a valuation of the premises.
Entry must not be on Sundays, public holidays or any other day before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. unless the tenant otherwise agrees. If breached, this can result in penalties for unlawful entry.
