Rental Providers have the right to access their rental property for specific, legally permitted reasons. Tenants also have a right to privacy and quiet enjoyment.
This article outlines when you can enter the property, how much notice is required and best-practice steps to follow to stay compliant with tenancy laws across Australia.
In this Article:
When Can You Enter the Property?
Each state and territory sets rules around when entry is allowed. You typically can enter the property at any time with the tenant’s permission, provided they agree to the access.
Exact requirements and reasons will vary, but you can generally enter the property for the following reasons:
Routine inspections - to check property condition.
Repairs and maintenance - to carry out or assess needed work.
Showing the property - to prospective tenants or buyers.
Valuations/advertising - e.g. to take photos, videos or get a valuation.
After breach - to check if the tenant has remedied a breach.
Emergencies - e.g., burst pipes, fire, flooding.
Abandonment - if there are reasonable grounds to believe the property is abandoned.
Notice Requirements
While some states provide a formal Notice of Entry form to use, it’s usually best practice to reach out to your tenant directly first. A quick call, email or message to agree on a suitable time helps maintain a positive relationship, avoid surprises or misunderstandings and increases the chance your tenant will accommodate the visit.
Once a time is agreed, you can always follow up with a formal written notice for compliance. Using a written notice ensures you have a clear record of what was provided and when.
The notice should typically include:
The reason for entry
The date or date range
The time frame you expect to attend
Each state and territory has different rules regarding:
Notice periods
Maximum number of inspections
Permitted entry times
Required forms or formats
Forms Required:
For more information on what is required and any forms to use, see the links below:
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) - Click here
New South Wales (NSW) - Click here
Northern Territory (NT) - Click here
Queensland (QLD) - Click here
Victoria (VIC) - Click here
South Australia (SA) - Click here
Tasmania (TAS) - Click here
Western Australia - Click here
As a general guide:
Reason | NSW | QLD | VIC | TAS |
To inspect the property | 7 days
| 7 days | 7 days | 24 hours |
To show the property (For Rent) | Reasonable notice each time and only in the last 14 days before the end of the tenancy.
| 48 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours and only in the last 28 days of the tenancy |
To show the property (For Sale) | 14 days before the first inspection. After that, 48 48-hours' notice. | 48 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours |
Repairs/Maintenance (non-urgent) | 2 days | 48 hours |
| 24 hours |
Urgent repairs | No notice required | Reasonable notice | 24 hours |
|
In an Emergency | No notice required | No notice required |
|
|
Reason | ACT | NT | SA | WA |
To inspect the property | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days |
To show the property (For Rent) | 24 hours and only in the last 3 weeks of the tenancy. | 24 hours | Reasonable notice, and only in the last 28 days of the tenancy. | Reasonable notice within the last 21 days of the tenancy. |
To show the property (For Sale) | 48 hours | 24 hours | Reasonable notice, and only in the last 28 days of the tenancy. | Reasonable notice |
Repairs/Maintenance (non-urgent) | 7 days | 24 hours | 48 hours | 72 hours |
Urgent repairs | Reasonable notice |
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In an Emergency |
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What if Entry is Refused?
If proper notice has been given and the tenant refuses entry, this may be a breach of the tenancy agreement.
Steps you may take include:
Clarification - often a quick conversation resolves the issue
Try and reschedule to a mutually suitable time
Issue a breach notice (if relevant in your state)
Apply to the tribunal for an order allowing access (e.g. NCAT, VCAT, QCAT)
Keeping records of all notices and communications is important.
Issuing an Entry Notice through RentBetter
You can use the platform to issue an entry notice for your state through RentBetter.
Navigate to the 'Tenancy Setup' section
Click on the 'Actions' button at the top right.
Under Tenant notices, click on 'Entry Notice'
Click through to follow the steps to fill out the form for your state, then sign and submit.
Your tenant will receive an email notification to log into their RentBetter account to view the notice and accept.
General FAQs
Is there a standard form for notice of entry?
Some states provide formal notice of entry forms, which you will need to use. However, it’s always best practice to contact the tenant directly first, via call or email, to agree on a suitable time. This helps maintain a positive relationship and avoids unnecessary surprises.
How should I deliver a notice of entry?
Notices can be delivered in person, by post, or electronically. Allow sufficient time for mail delivery if posting.
👉 You can use RentBetter to issue the notice in the platform by using the steps here.
Does RentBetter use the required state/territory template for Entry Notices?
Yes. RentBetter will automatically use the correct entry notice template for your state or territory where an official government form is available. After you complete the required details, you’ll be able to preview the document before signing and sending it to your tenant, so you can check everything is accurate.
Does the tenant need to agree?
In most states (except Victoria), you can issue a notice of entry and, as long as it complies with the legal requirements for notice period, reason for entry and allowed times, you can lawfully enter without the tenant’s approval. In Victoria (VIC), however, the tenant must agree to the proposed entry time after receiving the notice.
That said, regardless of location, it’s always best practice to seek the tenant’s agreement where possible. This helps maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship and can prevent disputes, even where the law allows entry without consent.
What if the tenant refuses entry despite proper notice?
Repeated or unjustified refusal could be a breach of the tenancy agreement. If this happens, you may apply to the relevant tribunal (e.g., NCAT in NSW) to seek an order for entry.
How often can I inspect the property?
Routine inspections should not be excessive. Most states allow inspections up to 4 times a year. Always coordinate inspections to minimise disruption to tenants. It's typically recommended to inspect your property twice a year.
For more information, see this guide on Routine Inspections - https://help.rentbetter.com.au/en/articles/5939009-what-is-a-routine-inspection
Can I enter on weekends or public holidays?
Generally, no. Entry is usually restricted to 8am-6pm and not allowed on Sundays or public holidays unless the tenant permits. This varies, so you will need to check your specific state or territory rules.
💬 Need further assistance?
Have more questions about Entry Notices? Reach out to our friendly team via the support chat or email info@rentbetter.com.au and we’ll be happy to help.