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:
Clarify the misunderstanding - 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.
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.
Note - In VIC, the notice of entry must be delivered in person or via post; it cannot be delivered electronically.
Can I complete an Entry Notice through the RentBetter platform?
Entry notices are not available just yet through RentBetter (they're coming!). In the meantime, you can use the forms provided in this section here, if required.
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.
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.
💬 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.