Inspections during COVID-19
Victoria has now moved to COVIDSafe Summer restrictions imposed by the Victorian Government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These allow real estate agents to arrange inspections and auctions, provided the number of people attending does not exceed a density ratio of one person per two square meters if using electronic recording keeping, and one per four square metres if using manual record keeping.
The inspections must be by appointment and must be conducted by a real estate agent, and not a landlord. They cannot be “open house” inspections where anyone can turn up on the day.
In addition, and unless you agree otherwise, the estate agent is still required to provide you with at least 24 hours’ notice in writing, stating a valid reason why they want to visit, before the date of the proposed entry. This is required by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
Real estate agents must also comply with the industry guidelines and have a COVIDSafe plan in place for things like cleaning surfaces touched during entry, record keeping, signs about maximum capacity, and face coverings.
The tenant may refuse entry if they become aware that the real estate agent will not comply with any of these requirements, or for any other COVID-19 related reason.
For more information, see: Privacy and entry and For sale, selling, sold!