Entering a rental property in Victoria: notice, times and how often

Last checked against official sources on 2 October 2026

Entering a rented home without the right notice is one of the quickest ways to end up in a dispute. The rules depend on why you are entering.

The notice you must give

These are the notice periods listed by Consumer Affairs Victoria for each reason:

• General inspection: 7 days.
• Repairs or meeting your legal duties: 24 hours.
• Showing the property to prospective renters, buyers or lenders: 48 hours.
• Property valuation: 7 days.
• Photos or video for advertising: 7 days.
• A suspected breach of the renter’s obligations: 24 hours.
• Family violence proceedings at VCAT: 24 hours.

Times and frequency

• Entry must be between 8am and 6pm on any day except a public holiday.
• General inspections can only start after the first 3 months of the agreement.
• General inspections can happen every 6 months at the most.

How to give the notice

The notice must be in writing and delivered by post, allowing enough time for delivery, or personally to the renter between 8am and 6pm. If you plan to send it another way, check the official page first.

Sales inspections cost money

You must compensate the renter for each sales inspection. The amount is half a day’s rent or $30, whichever is greater.

When a renter can refuse

A renter can refuse entry if it is outside the allowed hours, if you did not give written notice, if the notice was not delivered properly, or if a general inspection has already been done in the last 6 months. Keep a copy of every notice and note how and when you delivered it.

Repairs are different

Entering to carry out a repair needs 24 hours’ notice. See our guide to urgent and non-urgent repairs.

General information only, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with Consumer Affairs Victoria or a lawyer before you act.