How many times can my landlord inspect my rental property in Western Australia?
Yes, your landlord can inspect your rental property up to four times a year in Western Australia. They may also conduct one initial inspection within the first month of your tenancy. They cannot show up unannounced and must provide 7 to 14 days' written notice.
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How it works in practice
Legal Limits on Inspections
In Western Australia, tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment of their home, which means landlords cannot drop by whenever they please. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, landlords or property managers are strictly limited to conducting routine inspections a maximum of four times in any 12-month period.
Initial Move-In Inspection
In addition to the standard four annual inspections, a landlord is legally permitted to carry out one initial inspection during the very first month of your tenancy agreement. This is typically done to ensure everything is functioning correctly after you have moved in.
Notice Requirements
Your landlord cannot simply show up unannounced for a routine inspection. They are legally required to provide you with formal written notice using a specific form (Form 19). This notice must be given to you no less than seven days and no more than 14 days before the proposed inspection date.
Tenant Rights During Inspections
The inspection must be scheduled at a reasonable time. If the proposed time is genuinely highly inconvenient, you have the right to negotiate a better time with your landlord. While you are not legally required to be present during the inspection, it is highly recommended so you can discuss any maintenance issues directly.
Important exceptions
While routine inspections are capped at four times a year, there are exceptions where a landlord can enter the property more frequently.
If a landlord needs to inspect specific repairs or conduct maintenance, they can enter the property provided they give at least 72 hours' written notice.
In the case of a genuine emergency, such as a burst water pipe or fire, the landlord may enter the premises immediately without any prior notice.
Additionally, if the property is being sold or re-let, landlords can conduct viewings for prospective buyers or tenants, which falls under different notice requirements rather than routine inspection limits.
What you should do now
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Read your lease agreement to understand the specific terms regarding property access and routine inspections.
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Check any inspection notice you receive to ensure it provides the legally required 7 to 14 days' written notice.
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Contact your landlord or property manager immediately if the proposed inspection time is highly inconvenient and request to reschedule.
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Prepare for the inspection by ensuring the property is reasonably clean and compiling a list of any maintenance issues that need fixing.
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Keep copies of all inspection notices, condition reports, and written correspondence with your landlord for your personal records.
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