The Notice Requirements
Under Queensland tenancy law, most forms of landlord entry require written notice to the tenant. For routine inspections, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice and no more than 14 days' notice. For conducting repairs, the notice required is also at least 24 hours. For showing the property to prospective buyers, 24 hours' notice is required.
The notice must be in writing and must specify the reason for entry and the date and time. For routine inspections, entry must be between 8am and 6pm on a day that is not a Sunday or public holiday.
Emergency Entry
In a genuine emergency, a landlord may enter without notice. An emergency is defined as a situation that poses an imminent risk to health or safety or the property itself. A burst pipe flooding the property, a fire, or a gas leak may constitute an emergency. A routine maintenance item, however urgent it may feel to the landlord, does not.
After an emergency entry, the landlord must give the tenant written notice as soon as practicable.
What Happens If Entry Is Not Handled Correctly
Entering a rental property without proper notice or outside the permitted hours is a breach of the tenancy agreement and may expose the landlord to a compensation claim from the tenant.
The rules around entry exist to protect tenant quiet enjoyment. They are not administratively burdensome for a landlord who understands them and plans ahead. A property manager experienced in Queensland tenancy law handles all entry notices as a matter of standard practice.
At The Rental Managers, all entry is managed under the correct notice requirements.
