Routine Inspections in Townsville: What Landlords Should Know

As a Townsville landlord, you know how important routine inspections are to ensure the condition and safety of your property is kept to a good standard.

An inspection isn’t about ‘catching tenants out’ or micromanaging your property; it’s an opportunity to build trust with your tenants, nip issues in the bud before they become costly problems, and preserve the property’s value.

If you’re wondering what your rights are, our guide contains everything landlords need to know about routine inspections in Townsville, including the required amount of notice, how often they can take place, and what exactly is involved.

How Often Are Routine Inspections Allowed In Townsville? 

Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) says routine inspections are allowed every 3 months, unless the tenant agrees to more and this is put in writing. 

The first inspection can take place at any time after the tenancy agreement has begun.

How Much Notice Do Tenants Need?

Tenants need a minimum of 7 days’ notice using the RTA’s Entry notice (Form 9) for a routine inspection. You will then need to provide at least 2 days’ notice for any follow-up inspections or if repairs or maintenance work needs to take place.

When scheduling an inspection, the landlord or property manager should be as specific as possible about the time they will arrive and how long it will take. Inspections are usually pretty quick, lasting around 15 minutes to an hour, so it shouldn’t cause too much disruption to your tenants’ day.

In emergencies or when urgent repairs are required (gas leak, burst water pipe, etc), landlords may be able to enter the property without notice, but you should always inform tenants as soon as possible. 

Do Landlords Attend Routine Inspections?

Landlords are allowed to (and are more than welcome to) attend a routine inspection. Many prefer to do so to ensure the property is still in good condition and to interact with tenants face-to-face. 

However, time constraints and other responsibilities often make it difficult for landlords to attend, so many leave it to the property manager to do a diligent assessment of the property.

You can provide a detailed checklist to the property manager ahead of the inspection so that they are aware of any specific things to look out for. When the inspection is complete, they will report their findings via email. 

Can Tenants Refuse Routine Inspections?

While it is in your legal right to carry out routine inspections on your property, there are some instances where a tenant can refuse. These include:

• If you are trying to schedule an inspection outside standard hours (Monday to Saturday between 8am and 6pm) or on a public holiday
• When the tenant isn’t given sufficient notice using the RTA’s Entry notice 
• If inspections are happening too often or without valid reason

What’s Involved In a Routine Inspection?

During a routine property inspection in Townsville, landlords or property managers are entitled to: 

• Check the property is being kept tidy and well-maintained
• Inspect any evidence of pests
• Look for signs of leaks
• Ensure permanent fixtures like ovens, sinks, and stoves are being kept clean
• Look for damage to floors, carpets, tiles
• Make sure lights, switches, electrical systems, and fixtures are working
• Check for structural issues 

Landlords/property managers have a right to open cupboards, wardrobes, and other built-in storage spaces as long as it is to check their condition or evidence of pests. There is no circumstance where you can go through a tenant’s personal belongings.

When Problems Are Found 

If serious problems are caused by a tenant breaching the tenancy agreement, the tenant can be issued with a breach notice to remedy the problem. 

The RTA defines significant breaches as:

• Illegal activity inside the property
• More people living in the property than allowed
• Keeping a pet without permission
• A problem caused by the tenant which will cost more than 1 week’s rent to fix

At Townsville Rentals, our property management services include handling inspections, repairs and maintenance. We’ll conduct 4 property inspections each year, usually every 16 weeks, to make sure it is in pristine condition and you are getting the most out of your investment. We’ll then share the results of each property inspection directly with the owner via email.

For more information, contact our team of property managers by calling (07) 4772 5252 or by filling in the form on this page.