Routine property inspections allow you to check up on your investment and ensure its being cared for properly. It’s important, however, that landlords are aware of the laws governing such visits. Otherwise, you risk straining tenant relations or worse, finding yourself in legal trouble.
We take a look what the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 says about property inspections and what this means for Canberra landlords.
How often can I conduct routine inspections?
Agents and landlords can conduct routine inspections twice per year, according to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.
Landlords are required to give tenants seven days written notice for routine inspections, which cannot be held:
- On Sundays;
- On public holidays; or
- Before 8am and after 6pm.
These details vary for non-routine inspections, such as instances when urgent repairs are required and at the start and end of a tenancy.
Why are access and privacy laws necessary?
These laws are in place to protect a tenant’s privacy at home, but they also grant certain rights to landlords – namely, the right to routinely inspect your investment.
Therefore, if a tenant is making it difficult for you to gain reasonable access to your property, you’re also able to escalate your concerns to the Tribunal.
Our advice? Be friendly and flexible around routine inspections. Make it clear that these visits are also a good time for them to raise any concerns they may have about the property.
