Unsuitable inspection time

Our Experts Answer:

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord may give the tenant at least 48 hours (and no more than 14 days notice) of a property inspection. The notice is not required to be in writing but must specify the day the inspection will take place, and an inspection cannot be carried out within four weeks after a previous inspection. The landlord may then enter the premises to carry out a property inspection any time between 8am and 7pm on the day specified in the notice. Although tenants are not able to refuse the landlord entry to carry out the property inspection if notice has been properly given, if the day the landlord has specified the inspection will take place is not suitable then you can discuss this with your landlord – your landlord may be willing to change the inspection date to a day that is suitable to both parties.

To discuss your situation further, or for information on property inspections, you can visit the Department’s website (www.dbh.govt.nz), or call 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

The Department of Building and Housing provides information and guidance on building law and compliance, services including weathertight homes, and advice for tenants and landlords.