Your right to quiet enjoyment
Every residential tenancy in Australia includes an implied (and usually express) right to quiet enjoyment. This means your landlord, property manager, and anyone they send to the property cannot enter your home without a valid reason and proper notice — regardless of who owns the property. The right to quiet enjoyment is not just a courtesy; it is a legally enforceable term of your tenancy agreement.
Valid reasons for entry
Landlords and agents can only enter for prescribed purposes. While these vary slightly between states, the most common lawful reasons include:
A landlord cannot enter just to 'check' the property outside scheduled inspections. Entry for any purpose not prescribed by your state's legislation is unlawful.
- •Routine inspection — typically once every 3–4 months (varies by state)
- •Urgent or necessary repairs
- •Showing the property to prospective tenants (near end of tenancy) or buyers
- •Following a tribunal order
- •Emergency situations (no notice required)
- •Final inspection at end of tenancy
Notice requirements by state
The amount of notice required depends on the reason for entry. Routine inspections require the most notice; emergency entry requires none.
| State | Routine Inspection | Repairs (non-urgent) | Show to prospective tenant | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 7 days | 2 days | 14 days (last 2 weeks) | None |
| VIC | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | None |
| QLD | Entry period notice | 24 hours | 24 hours | None |
| WA | 7–14 days | 72 hours | 72 hours | None |
| SA | 7–28 days | 48 hours | 48 hours | None |
| ACT | 7 days | 24 hours | 1 day | None |
| TAS | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | None |
| NT | 4 days | 4 days | 4 days | None |
NSW — Residential Tenancies Act 2010
In NSW, a landlord or agent must give at least 7 days' written notice for a routine inspection. Inspections cannot be more frequent than once per 4 months (except during the first 3 months of a new tenancy, when one inspection is permitted). For repairs, 2 days' notice is required. The notice must specify the date, time (or time window), and purpose of entry. Entry must occur at a reasonable time — generally between 8am and 8pm on days that are not Sundays or public holidays, unless you consent.
In NSW, if the landlord wants to show the property to prospective buyers, you're entitled to at least 14 days' notice — but only in the last 2 weeks of the tenancy if there's no sale underway. If the property is actively listed for sale, different rules apply under s 64.
VIC — Residential Tenancies Act 1997
Victoria gives less notice time for inspections — just 24 hours written notice is required for routine inspections. Routine inspections cannot be held more often than once per 6 months (from 2021 reforms). Entry for repairs also requires 24 hours' notice. Victorian law is clear that entry must occur between 8am and 6pm on a weekday, or with the tenant's agreement. Tenants can agree to a shorter notice period in writing.
QLD — Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008
In Queensland, there is no specific number of hours of notice — instead, notice must be given within specific entry periods set out in the Act. The notice must specify an 'agreed time' or be within an 'entry period' of between 8am–6pm weekdays and 8am–1pm Saturdays. Routine inspections require at least 7 days' notice and can only occur once every 3 months.
WA — Residential Tenancies Act 1987
Western Australia requires 72 hours' written notice for routine inspections and most other types of entry. Inspections can occur at most four times per year and must take place at a reasonable time (8am–6pm Monday–Saturday). Landlords cannot enter on Sundays or public holidays without the tenant's consent.
What counts as proper notice?
Notice should generally be in writing (email, text, or letter) and specify the date, approximate time, and purpose. An entry notice that is verbal only may not be legally sufficient in all states. If your landlord or agent turns up without having given proper written notice, you are within your rights to refuse entry — except in a genuine emergency.
Always keep a record of every entry notice you receive, the actual time of entry, and who entered. This can be vital evidence if you need to make a complaint or tribunal application later.
What if your landlord enters without proper notice?
If your landlord enters without lawful notice (and it is not an emergency), this is a breach of the tenancy agreement and likely a breach of the legislation. You have several options:
- •Write to your landlord or agent formally noting the unlawful entry and requesting it does not happen again
- •Contact your state's tenancy authority to make a complaint
- •Apply to your state tribunal for an order restraining further unlawful entry
- •In extreme cases, repeated unlawful entry may be grounds to terminate the tenancy without penalty
- •Keep a diary of all instances with dates, times, and who was present
Emergency entry
All states allow landlords, agents, or emergency services to enter without notice in a genuine emergency — for example, a gas leak, fire, flood, or to prevent serious damage to the property. If you are not home and the landlord enters, they must usually notify you as soon as reasonably practicable and may need to leave a record of entry.
This guide provides general information based on current Australian tenancy legislation. It is not legal advice. Always verify with the relevant state tenancy authority or a qualified professional for your specific situation. Last verified: January 2026.