Can the landlord enter for repairs?

Yes, but the landlord should give at least 24 hours' written notice, attend at a reasonable time, and arrange access with you unless there is a genuine emergency.

You can refuse unreasonable or unannounced access. You should still offer reasonable appointments for genuine inspection or repairs.

Can the landlord keep a key?

The landlord can hold a key, but they cannot use it for non-emergency entry without proper notice and agreement.

Is repeated entry harassment?

It can be. Repeated unannounced entry, especially with threats or pressure to leave, can support a harassment complaint under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

Your landlord keeps entering without permission - is this allowed?

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Direct answer

Your landlord cannot simply let themselves into your home whenever they want. For inspections linked to repairs, section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires at least 24 hours' written notice and entry at a reasonable time. Even then, the visit should be arranged with you, except for genuine emergencies such as fire, flood, or gas danger. Repeated unannounced entry can breach quiet enjoyment and can amount to harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

What the law says

Section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 gives the landlord a limited right to enter to inspect the condition and state of repair, but only at reasonable times and after giving at least 24 hours' written notice. That right does not let the landlord ignore your home life or enter repeatedly without arrangement.

The common law covenant of quiet enjoyment protects your right to live in the property without unjustified interference. Section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 makes harassment a criminal offence where conduct interferes with the peace or comfort of a residential occupier with the intent of making them leave or stop exercising rights. Repeated entry without permission can be evidence of that.

Step-by-step: what to do

1. Write to the landlord saying you do not consent to entry without proper written notice and a mutually agreed appointment.

2. Keep a log of every entry or attempted entry, including date, time, reason given, witnesses, and whether you were home.

3. If the landlord has keys, ask that they are not used except in genuine emergencies.

4. If entry continues, complain to the council's tenancy relations or private housing team.

5. Get advice about an injunction if entry is repeated, intimidating, or linked to pressure to leave.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not change locks without checking your tenancy and getting advice, although tenants can often secure their home if keys are being abused. Do not refuse all access forever; the landlord must be able to inspect and repair after proper notice. Do not rely on a verbal objection. Do not ignore entry by agents or contractors, because the landlord is usually responsible for people acting on their behalf.

Put your access rules in writing.
Offer reasonable appointments for genuine repairs.
Log every incident.
Escalate repeated entry as harassment.

Related guidance

The landlord's entry rights
When entry is lawful and what notice is required.
Illegal eviction and harassment checker
Check whether repeated entry amounts to harassment.
The landlord is harassing you
How harassment is defined and what evidence to keep.
Tenant rights in England
Quiet enjoyment, repairs, eviction, deposits, and rent rights.

Sources used for this guide

These are primary legislation and public guidance sources that support the legal-information framework used on this page.

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
Primary statute for core landlord repair duties, including structure, exterior, installations, heating, water, gas, and sanitation.
Protection from Eviction Act 1977
Primary statute covering unlawful eviction, harassment, and the requirement for proper process before a residential occupier is forced out.
Citizens Advice: housing
Independent advice guidance for private renters, including deposits, rent increases, repairs, eviction, and landlord disputes.

Common questions

Your landlord keeps entering without permission - is this allowed?: Your landlord cannot simply let themselves into your home whenever they want. For inspections linked to repairs, section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires at least 24 hours' written notice and entry at a reasonable time. Even then, the visit should be arranged with you, except for genuine emergencies such as fire, flood, or gas danger. Repeated unannounced entry can breach quiet enjoyment and can amount to harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
Can the landlord enter for repairs?: Yes, but the landlord should give at least 24 hours' written notice, attend at a reasonable time, and arrange access with you unless there is a genuine emergency.
Can I refuse access?: You can refuse unreasonable or unannounced access. You should still offer reasonable appointments for genuine inspection or repairs.
Can the landlord keep a key?: The landlord can hold a key, but they cannot use it for non-emergency entry without proper notice and agreement.
Is repeated entry harassment?: It can be. Repeated unannounced entry, especially with threats or pressure to leave, can support a harassment complaint under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

Is this legal advice?

This is legal information for renters in England, not legal advice. If you need advice on your specific facts, contact Shelter (0808 800 4444), Citizens Advice, your council, or a housing solicitor.