Right of entry for open inspections at the end of tenancy
When your existing tenants are moving out, it's very common for you to be looking for new tenants at the same time.
This means you'll probably need access to the property to show prospective renters through (while being super mindful of your existing tenants).
This article is going to show you how.
The best time to start this process is before you publish the property for rent.
Contact the renter to arrange/agree on between 1 to 4 inspections.
For most situations and locations this would be ideal:
- 5pm next Thursday the [day] of [month].
- 10:30am next Saturday the [day] of [month].
- 5pm on the following Thursday the [day] of [month].
- 10:30am on the following Saturday the [day] of [month].
That's 2 inspections per week for two consecutive weeks. Each inspection is listed for 15 minutes.
Important things to explain to the renter (and for you to know):
- Each inspection would be listed on the websites for 15 minutes however the inspection would go for approx 30 minutes (40 minutes worst case scenario) in total.
- You should arrive at the property about 10-15 minutes prior to the inspection time. This will give you enough time to open the property and make sure it's safe. Most prospective renters will turn up to the inspection 5 minutes early.
- You will try to limit the number of inspections by only listing 2 inspections at a time. "Hopefully we can find a tenant in the first week so we don't have to publish the next inspection/s"
Sometimes you have to be grateful for what you can get, even if it's just one inspection for now. Renters are probably busy trying to pack and arrange moving so it can be a stressful time for them.
If you can't agree with the existing tenant on enough inspections then you need to resort to the legislation. Even if you think the renter will not agree on any inspection times, you should always try and discuss with them first before giving a formal notice of entry (to show prospective renters through).
Most states in Australia have slightly different rules for entry to show prospective renters through.
South Australia
Notice Period: "Reasonable Notice" (As a guide, Cubbi considers this to be 7 days' notice in any normal situation however you should always consider the current renter's situation when considering what 'reasonable' means)
Number of inspections: "A reasonable number of times" (As a guide, Cubbi considers this to 2 inspections per week or a maximum number of inspections of 4 in total while the current tenants are still living in the property)
"The landlord can show the property to prospective tenants in the last 28 days of the tenancy. This can happen at the time requested by the tenant or after giving reasonable notice and only for a reasonable number of times." Source - sa.gov
To be safe, it's best to give notice using the entry notice provided by SA.gov. Emailing this notice is fine as long as the lease was signed in Cubbi. If you would like Cubbi to complete the notice for you email hello@cubbi.com.au
For individual advice based on your circumstances schedule a call here. (available for Cubbi owners only)
NSW
When: In the last 14 days before the tenancy is due to end
Notice Period: "Reasonable Notice" (As a guide, Cubbi considers this to be 7 days' notice in any normal situation however you should always consider the current renter's situation when considering what 'reasonable' means)
Number of inspections: Fair Trading NSW does not provide guidance on this however Cubbi recommends a maximum of 2 inspections per week.
Other states coming soon. Email hello@cubbi.com.au