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Five things rental owners can’t do without notice


Their name might be on the mortgage but that doesn’t mean a rental owner has the right to access their property whenever they please. In fact, renters have rights in every state and territory, with strict laws on what the owner can and can’t do.

These rules are enshrined in the relevant state and territory law and are designed to protect the renter’s right to peace, privacy and quiet enjoyment of the property

So, let’s take a quick refresher and look at five things a rental owner can’t do without notice…

Attend the property

A renter has the right to peace, privacy and quiet enjoyment of the property which means the rental owner needs to provide sufficient notice before they show up at the home.

In fact, there are quite specific conditions for when the owner can attend and how much notice must be provided beforehand.

Send tradespeople

Those above-mentioned laws about peace and privacy are so strict that the owner cannot send tradespeople to the property without proper notice or justification, even if the renter has requested repairs.

Increase the rent

There are very strict laws about increasing the rent in every state and territory in Australia. For example, the rent can only be increased at the end of the agreement, and in many instances that raise can only happen once a year.

Meanwhile, most states require 60 days notice of a rent increase, and in the ACT, any proposed raise is capped at a maximum of 10 per cent above the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

End the agreement

If an owner does not wish to renew a fixed term rental agreement, they must provide sufficient notice, which varies depending on which state or territory the property is located in.

For example, a minimum of 60 days notice is required in Queensland and Victoria, while 90 days notice is now required in New South Wales.

Meanwhile, this notice period is different again if the renters are on a periodic agreement.

Sell their property

If an owner opts to sell their property, they must provide the renter with adequate notice. 

In many instances, this notice must also include information on how the owner intends to market the property. There may be conditions relating to how often the property can be shown to prospective buyers.

Meanwhile, even if the property sells, the rental agreement remains in place. For example, the renter has the right to reside at the property until the end of that agreement and the rent cannot be raised.

How we can help

Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.

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