Landlord right of entry: the rules on access
A tenancy grants exclusive possession: the home is the tenant's, and the landlord's right to enter is the exception, not the rule. Getting access wrong is one of the fastest ways to turn a good tenancy sour, and at the extreme it becomes harassment, which is a criminal offence.
The baseline rule
For inspections and repairs the landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice and attend at a reasonable time of day. The tenant can agree to shorter notice, and can also refuse a particular visit, in which case the answer is rearranging, not letting yourself in.
Legitimate reasons to enter
- Inspecting condition and carrying out repairs.
- Statutory safety checks: gas, electrical, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Viewings near the end of a tenancy, where handled reasonably and by arrangement.
Emergencies
Genuine emergencies such as fire, flooding or gas escapes justify immediate entry without notice. The test is imminent risk to people or serious damage to the property, and the bar is high.
Persistent refusal
Where a tenant repeatedly blocks essential safety access, keep a written record of every attempt, explain the legal duty in writing, and take advice before escalating. Never change locks, enter without arrangement, or drop in unannounced: those behaviours undermine any future possession case and can constitute harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
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Start my agreement →Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord enter without the tenant's permission?
Only in a genuine emergency. Otherwise entry requires notice and the tenant's agreement to the visit, even where 24 hours' notice has been given.
Can a landlord keep a key and use it?
Holding a key is normal; using it for unannounced entry is not. Entry without arrangement, outside emergencies, risks a harassment claim.