Moving out of a WA rental? Who can enter, and when

A WA couple who broke their lease to move into a home they bought say they went back to clean the empty rental and found a used, unflushed toilet and two cigarette butts with fresh ash on the bedroom floor. Neither of them smokes. The property manager had shown the house to prospective tenants a couple of days earlier while they weren't there.

They are still paying rent until a new tenant is found, and they're worried about the cost of any damage. Their story is a reminder that while you're still on the lease, the landlord still has to follow the entry rules, even if you've already moved your things out.

The couple said they had also heard footsteps in the roof for months. Locals who replied thought rats or possums were far more likely than anything sinister.

Landlords need written notice

According to Consumer Protection WA, a landlord or property manager must give written notice on Form 19 – Notice of proposed entry, stating the reason. The notice period depends on why they're coming:

• Routine inspections: 7 to 14 days' written notice, no more than four times a year.
• Non-urgent repairs: 72 hours' written notice.
• Showing the home to new tenants: allowed within 21 days of the tenant moving out, at a time and day you both agree on.
• Emergencies: immediate entry, no notice needed.

Entry is only allowed between 8am and 6pm on weekdays and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays, unless you agree otherwise. You can refuse entry on a public holiday or if you weren't given proper notice. You have the right to be there during a visit, but you don't have to be.

Photo: Someone Not Awful via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). File photo.

If something goes wrong during a visit

Consumer Protection says a tenant whose home is entered without proper notice can ask for it not to happen again, serve the landlord a breach notice, or apply to the Magistrates Court. Its tenants bulletin warns that a notice not served correctly may be invalid, which makes any entry unlawful.

The rules also cover trades and other people the landlord sends, and they must not stay longer than they need to.

Protect your bond on the way out

Locals who have been through it offered practical tips:

• Once the place is clean, take date-stamped photos and a walk-through video, including window and door tracks.
• Hand the keys back promptly and email the agent confirming when you cleaned and when you returned the keys.
• If you think someone has been inside or left a mess, report it to the agent in writing straight away, with photos.

Consumer Protection's contact centre can help on 1300 304 054.

Sources: Consumer Protection WA; comments from WA renters.

Main photo: Calistemon via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). File photo of a Perth house, not the property in this story.