Landlord entry rights: when can your landlord come in?
Direct answer
Your tenancy gives you exclusive possession of your home. There is a narrow statutory right to enter for inspection of the state of repair, with at least 24 hours written notice. Beyond that, repeated unannounced entry can amount to harassment.
Section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 gives a landlord (with a repair obligation) the right to enter at reasonable times of the day, after giving at least 24 hours written notice, but only for the purpose of viewing the state and condition of the property.
Repeated unannounced entry, entry at unreasonable hours, or entry combined with threatening behaviour can constitute the offence under section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. This is legal information, not legal advice.
The statutory right to enter
Section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 gives a landlord with a repair obligation the right to enter at reasonable times of the day, after at least 24 hours' written notice, but only to view the state and condition of the property. That right is narrow: it does not extend to viewings, photographs, or 'dropping by to check up'. For any other purpose the landlord needs your agreement.
What counts as reasonable?
Reasonable time normally means daytime on a weekday, typically 9am to 8pm. Late-night visits, very early mornings, and weekends without specific agreement are not reasonable. Reasonable notice means at least 24 hours in writing - a text can count but an email or letter is better, and verbal notice is not enough. Even with notice, the entry must be for a legitimate purpose or the conduct may amount to harassment.
Emergencies are different
In a genuine emergency - fire, gas leak, flood, or an immediate risk to safety - the landlord can enter without notice. The reason must be a real emergency: 'water is pouring through the ceiling' qualifies, 'I want to check on a leak' does not. After any emergency entry, the landlord should explain in writing what was done and why; a missing or implausible explanation suggests it was not a real emergency.
Repeated unwanted entry: harassment
Section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 makes it a criminal offence to do acts likely to interfere with the peace or comfort of a residential occupier with intent to make them give up occupation. Repeated unannounced entry, entry at unreasonable hours, or entry combined with threats can all constitute the offence. Where the conduct causes you to leave, sections 27 and 28 of the Housing Act 1988 provide substantial damages.
What to do if your landlord enters without permission
If a landlord enters without proper notice, build a record and escalate through the right channels.
- Document each incident: date, time, who was present, what was said, and any items moved, with photos. A contemporaneous log carries weight in court.
- Write to the landlord setting out the law (24 hours' written notice, reasonable time, legitimate purpose) and asking them to comply; keep a dated copy.
- Contact the council - most have a Tenancy Relations Officer who can formally warn the landlord.
- Consider a county court injunction in serious cases to prohibit further unwanted entry; get advice from Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a solicitor.
Free checkers
- Illegal eviction checker
Free interactive checker for lockouts, harassment, utility cut-offs, and other unlawful landlord conduct. - Illegal eviction guide
Being forced out without a court order is a criminal offence. This guide covers what counts as illegal eviction and how to get emergency help.
Related guidance inside this topic
- If your next step turns on illegal eviction and harassment protection, read tenant rights guide.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind illegal eviction and harassment protection, see renter questions hub before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with illegal eviction and harassment protection, check illegal eviction rights to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of illegal eviction and harassment protection, use landlord eviction rules guide for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on illegal eviction and harassment protection, start with rent repayment order tenant guide so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.
Related articles
- Section 21 validity outcome guides
Primary Section 21 validity hub: all 72 outcome guides from the checker, grouped by deposit protection, prescribed documents, notice timing, licensing, and retaliatory eviction. - Bailiff eviction notice: what to do now
What to do if you receive a bailiff eviction notice in England: check the warrant, urgent housing help, suspension applications, evidence, and safety. - Section 21 abolished: what happens now?
The transition guide for pre-cutoff notices, the 1 May 2026 changeover, and when possession analysis switches to Section 8. - Rent increase rules in England
The split between pre-1 May 2026 and post-1 May 2026 section 13 rules, including Form 4, Form 4A, notice periods, and tribunal rights. - Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026.
Common questions
- Can my landlord enter my home without notice?
- Only in genuine emergencies, fire, gas leak, flood, immediate threat to safety. For routine inspections, repairs, or any other purpose, the landlord must give at least 24 hours written notice and only enter at a reasonable time of day.
- What does 'reasonable time' mean?
- Normally between 9am and 8pm on weekdays. Early-morning, late-night, or weekend visits without specific tenant agreement are not reasonable.
- Can my landlord let themselves in with a key?
- No. Holding keys does not give the landlord the right to enter. Using keys without your knowledge or consent is potentially harassment under section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, a criminal offence.
Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.