Landlord Entering Without Permission
Your landlord cannot enter without your consent except in emergencies. What to do if they do.
Your landlord has no automatic right to enter your home. You have the legal right to 'quiet enjoyment' of your property, which means living there without interference.
The Rules
- Your landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before visiting
- Visits should be at reasonable times (not early morning or late evening)
- You can refuse entry at inconvenient times
- You do NOT have to give your landlord a key (though your contract may require you to)
Exceptions
Your landlord can enter without notice only in genuine emergencies, such as:
- A gas leak
- Flooding that's damaging the property
- Fire
- A serious risk to someone's safety
Even in an emergency, your landlord should try to contact you first if possible.
If Your Landlord Enters Without Permission
- Tell them clearly (in writing) that they cannot enter without proper notice
- Change the locks if necessary (you can do this, but must provide a key on request)
- Document every incident
- Contact Shelter if it continues
- Repeated entry could be harassment - a criminal offence
Official Sources
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