Can my agent take photos inside my home during an inspection in the ACT?
For a routine inspection, yes — but they should focus on the property, not your belongings. For advertising, they generally need your consent to publish photos that show your possessions. Letting them in isn't the same as consenting.
Want Compass to draft a letter setting out your photo and privacy rights in the ACT?
In the ACT the rules split by why the photo is taken. For a routine inspection, your lessor or agent can take photos to record the property's condition — but they should focus on the property, not your personal belongings, and they're bound by the Privacy Act 1988. For advertising (selling or re-letting), it's different: they generally need your consent to publish photos that show your possessions (furniture, personal items, family photos). Letting a photographer in is not the same as agreeing to those photos being used. If photos of your belongings are used in an ad without consent, you can raise it with ACAT or the privacy regulator.
What you can do right now
- Ask in advance whether photos will be taken, and for what purpose.
- Move or cover personal items, valuables and family photos before an inspection or marketing shoot.
- If photos of your belongings appear in an ad without your consent, raise it in writing and keep a copy.
Related questions
Free help
- Tenants' Union ACT
- ACT Revenue Office
General information, not legal advice.
Want Compass to draft a letter setting out your photo and privacy rights in the ACT?