How it Works
Landlord Entering Property Without Permission — Here Is What to Do
Your rented home is your home. Your landlord does not have the right to enter whenever they choose regardless of what your tenancy agreement says. Entering without 24 hours written notice is illegal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 — and repeated unauthorised entry constitutes criminal harassment.
Your Rights
What Is Your Landlord Legally Required to Do Before Entering Your Home?
📋
24 Hours Written Notice
Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours written notice before entering your home for any non-emergency visit. A text or phone call is not the same as written notice.
🕐
Reasonable Time Only
Visits must be at a reasonable time of day. Early morning, late evening, or times you have indicated are inconvenient are not reasonable times even with proper notice given.
🚪
Right to Refuse
You have the right to refuse entry if proper notice has not been given or if the proposed time is unreasonable. You must not unreasonably refuse legitimate repair or inspection visits.
🔑
Spare Key Access
Your landlord using a spare key to enter without notice — even if you are not home — is illegal entry. They cannot let themselves or contractors in without proper prior written notification.
🚨
Emergency Exception Only
The only exception to the notice requirement is a genuine emergency such as a gas leak, fire, severe flooding, or structural collapse where immediate access is needed to prevent harm.
⚖️
Harassment Protection
Repeated unauthorised entry constitutes landlord harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. This is a criminal offence and your landlord can face prosecution.
Common Situations
Situations Renters Face — And What to Do
These are the most common repair scenarios our members experience. Find your situation and follow the recommended steps or you can simply do your situation review.
Landlord lets themselves in with a spare key
You come home to find your landlord has been in the property, moved things, or left a note. You were not told they were coming and had not given permission for this visit.
→ Write formally to your landlord stating that entering without 24 hours written notice is illegal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Request written confirmation this will not happen again and keep all records.
Landlord arrives unannounced for inspections regularly
Your landlord regularly arrives at the property without notice claiming to do routine checks, assess maintenance needs, or show the property to contractors.
→ You are not required to let them in without proper prior written notice. Write formally outlining the legal requirements. All future visits must be arranged with at least 24 hours written notice.
Contractors arrived without prior notification
A plumber, electrician, or other contractor knocks on your door saying your landlord sent them. You had no prior notification and were not expecting anyone.
→ You are legally entitled to refuse entry. Contractors acting on the landlord's behalf are subject to the same 24-hour notice requirements. Write to your landlord immediately.
Landlord showing property to prospective tenants without notice
Your landlord wants to show the property to potential new tenants while you are still living there and is attempting to arrange viewings without giving you proper notice.
→ Even during a notice period your landlord must give 24 hours written notice for any viewing. You have the right to be present during viewings and to refuse access at inconvenient times.
Repeated unannounced visits feel like harassment
Your landlord is visiting frequently and without notice. You feel watched, intimidated, or that your privacy is being deliberately violated to pressure you into leaving.
→ This constitutes landlord harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Keep a detailed log of every visit. Write formally to your landlord. If it continues, report to your local council and consider contacting the police.
Landlord changed locks or removed access
Your landlord has changed your locks, removed a door, or otherwise prevented you from freely accessing your home claiming it is within their rights as the property owner.
→ This is illegal eviction — a criminal offence. Call the police immediately. Your right to access your home cannot be removed by your landlord without a court order and bailiff warrant.
What the Law Says About Landlord Entry
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
Section 11 Right of Access
Your landlord has a right to inspect the property and carry out repairs — but only with proper written notice. This right does not override your right to quiet enjoyment of your home.
✓ In Force
Protection from Eviction Act 1977
Harassment and Illegal Entry
Repeatedly entering without permission, interfering with your peace and comfort, or doing anything intended to make you leave is a criminal offence under this Act.
✓ In Force
Right to Quiet Enjoyment
Every tenancy comes with an implied covenant of quiet enjoyment. This means your landlord must not interfere with your ability to live peacefully in your home — including through unauthorised entry.
✓ In Force
Genuine Emergency Access
The Only Exception, A genuine emergency — fire, gas leak, burst pipe causing flooding, structural danger — allows immediate access without notice. This cannot be used as a routine shortcut for inspections or repairs.
⚠️ Emergencies Only
How We Help
Support for Tenants Whose Landlord Enters Without Permission
Renters Rights Act Services gives you the formal warning letters and case support to stop a landlord entering your home without proper notice — without paying solicitor fees. If the visits are about outstanding work, see our guidance on [landlords who won’t do repairs]