What can I do if my landlord keeps entering my property without notice in Tasmania?
You have the legal right to stop your landlord from entering without notice in Tasmania. You should first give them a written warning. If unauthorized visits continue, you can report the breach to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner or seek advice to formally end your lease.
Was this helpful?
3 readers found this helpful
How it works in practice
Right to Privacy
In Tasmania, renting laws strictly protect your right to privacy and quiet enjoyment. Your landlord or property manager cannot simply show up unannounced. By law, they must provide you with at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property for most reasons, including routine inspections or non-urgent repairs.
Addressing the Issue
If your landlord ignores these rules and enters without proper notice, they are breaching the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. Your first step should be to communicate in writing, clearly reminding them of their legal obligations and demanding they stop unauthorized visits immediately.
Escalating the Breach
If the landlord continues to ignore your rights after receiving a formal written warning, the issue can be escalated. You can file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancy Commissioner through Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS). In cases of severe or repeated privacy breaches, you may even have legal grounds to issue a Notice to Terminate the tenancy agreement early without financial penalty, though you should seek professional advice before doing so.
Important exceptions
There are specific, limited circumstances where your landlord can legally enter your property without giving 24 hours' written notice in Tasmania.
The most common exception is a genuine emergency. If there is an immediate danger to the property or people, such as a burst water pipe, a severe gas leak, or a fire, the landlord can enter immediately without your prior permission.
Additionally, if the landlord has a reasonable and legally justifiable belief that the property has been permanently abandoned, they may enter without formal notice to secure the premises.
What you should do now
-
Keep a detailed written log of every time your landlord enters the property without notice, including specific dates and times.
-
Send a formal written email or letter to your landlord or real estate agent demanding they stop entering without providing the required 24-hour notice.
-
Save copies of all written communications, emails, and any evidence of the unauthorized entries for your personal records.
-
Contact the Tenants' Union of Tasmania for free legal advice tailored to your specific situation and lease agreement.
-
Submit a formal written complaint to Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) if the landlord continues to illegally breach your privacy.
Expert Notes
No expert notes have been added to this question yet.
People also asked
Explore highly relevant questions and get instant verified short answers.