TL;DR: Too long, Didn’t read
The Rule: Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before visiting.
The Right to Refuse: You can say “no” to a visit if the time doesn’t suit you. It is your home.
Emergencies: The only exception is a genuine emergency (like a fire, gas leak, or flood). They can enter without permission then.
Harassment: If they keep turning up unannounced after you asked them to stop, this could be illegal harassment.
You are sitting on the sofa in your pyjamas, and suddenly you hear a key in the door. It’s your landlord, “just checking in” or “showing a builder around.”
It feels intrusive, but is it illegal? After all, they own the house… right?
The Law: It is YOUR Home.
Once you sign a tenancy agreement, you have a legal right called “Quiet Enjoyment.” This means you have the right to live in the property without being disturbed or harassed. Even though the landlord owns the bricks, you own the space while you pay rent.
A Quick Story: Meet David
David rents a house. His landlord, Steve, lives down the street.
Steve likes to pop round on Saturday mornings to “check the garden” or “fix a tap,” but he never texts first.
David feels anxious in his own home, never knowing when Steve will walk in.
The Verdict: Steve is breaking the rules. Just because he has a key doesn’t mean he can use it whenever he wants. David has the right to change the locks (in extreme cases) or demand 24 hours’ notice.
The “24-Hour Rule”
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord (or their agent/builder) must follow three strict rules to enter your home for repairs or inspections:
Notice: They must give at least 24 hours’ notice.
Writing: It must be in writing (text or email is fine).
Reasonable Time: They must come at a “reasonable time” (not 7am or 10pm), unless you agree otherwise.
Can I Say No? Yes.
If they ask to come at 2pm on Tuesday and you are working, you can say: “That time isn’t convenient. Please come at 5pm instead.” They cannot force entry just because they gave notice. They still need your permission.
When Can They Enter WITHOUT Asking?
There is only one major exception: Emergencies.
If there is a:
Fire
Gas Leak
Major Flood (water flowing into the flat below)
Structural Danger
Then they (or the emergency services) can enter without permission to save the building or lives. A “dripping tap” is not an emergency.
What if they keep doing it?
If your landlord keeps turning up unannounced, it is considered Harassment, which is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
Action Plan:
Send a Text/Email: “Hi [Name], please remember you need to give 24 hours’ notice before coming over, as per my tenancy rights. I was not expecting you today.”
Keep a Log: Write down every time they turn up uninvited.
Change the Locks: If they won’t stop, you are legally allowed to change the locks (barrel replacement) as long as you keep the old lock and put it back when you move out. Check your tenancy agreement first, but statutory rights usually overrule the contract here.
Summary: Set Boundaries
You pay rent for privacy. Don’t be afraid to enforce it.
24 Hours Notice: It’s the law.
Convenience: It must fit your schedule.
No Surprises: Unannounced visits are rude and likely illegal.
(Sources: Shelter – Landlord Access, Gov.uk – Private Renting)
This guide covers tenancy laws for England. Rules in Scotland and Wales may differ. Always consult a professional for specific legal disputes.