WA Inspection/rental rights

[~clover~]

Just wondering if anyone can tell me the laws regarding inspections & land lords entering a property without a tenants permission in WA.
I've just recieved an email letting me know an inspection was carried pout on my house on Jan 23. I'm away in NSW & they are fully aware of that. I knew there'd be an inspection late Jan, early Feb, but that's all I was told. These were un notified inspections (more than one property, no one was notified) & they will be doing a follow up in a few weeks, on Feb 13.

Is any of this legal in WA? Coz its definitely not in NSW.

[little_mrs]

No they need to notify you, but they don't need to confirm that you got their notification, if that makes sense. Like if they just posted a letter with the inspection date, your on holidays and its still sitting in your mailbox then they can come thru on that date. But they need to give some form of notification 48hrs prior to entering a property.

[Taurean]

How long have you been away for? They only need to give 7 days notice (for memory) so if you were away for 2 weeks the letter could arrive in the mail and the inspection could also be carried out while you're away and yes, it's totally legal. They don't need to confirm a time with you or have your approval, as long as they have given the notice (in writing, no phone calls necessary) then they are totally within their rights.

[~clover~]

They didn't send notices out. She told me that in the email. She also told me she'd email dates to me in case i was still away.
They didn't send letters to anyone, or give anyone notice at all.

[Taurean]

Well that's illegal as far as I know. They must give you official notice, normally in writing so in the post or email. That's terrible!!

[Chocaholic]

Contact the WA Tenants Tribunal (or whatever they call it in WA).

They will be able to advise your rights as a tenant.

[nickle730]

Oh my... I would be very angry if anyone entered my home when I was not there, particularly without even notifying me!

[Chocaholic]

Just had a look at the Department of Commerce (WA) site, and found this:

Inspections
The Act says that tenants are entitled to the 'quiet enjoyment of the property', ie your peace, privacy and comfort. However, the owner/agent has the right to inspect the premises:
• if you give permission at the time;
• in an emergency;
• at a ‘reasonable’ hour; but the owner/agent must give you seven to 14 days notice in writing, providing the date, the approximate time he or she will be coming, their reason for entering the property and the period of notice given;
• to collect the rent if it is paid weekly or less frequently and the agreement allows for it to be collected at the premises;
• when collecting the rent as above, but not more than once every four weeks;
• to carry out or inspect necessary repairs at a 'reasonable’ hour after giving at least three days (72 hours) notice;
• to show the premises to prospective tenants in the 21 days before the end of an agreement, after giving you ‘reasonable’ notice; or
• to show the premises to prospective buyers, after giving ‘reasonable’ notice.