Can my landlord enter without my permission?
No — even though they own the property and may hold a key, your landlord can't simply let themselves in. As a tenant you have a legal right to quiet enjoyment of your home. For inspections or repairs the landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice and come at a reasonable time of day, and you can suggest a more convenient slot. Entering without notice or your permission can amount to harassment, a criminal matter under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. The only time a landlord may enter without notice is a genuine emergency — a fire, flood or serious gas leak. Viewings (for re-letting or sale) only give a right of access if your agreement says so, and even then you can propose a time. In short: no, not without proper notice and your agreement.
📋 The rules
- You have a right to quiet enjoyment of your home
- At least 24 hours' written notice for inspections/repairs
- Visits must be at a reasonable time
- Entry without notice can be harassment (criminal)
- Only genuine emergencies justify entry without notice
🔓 Exceptions
- Emergencies (fire, flood, serious gas leak) — no notice needed
- Shared houses: common areas with notice, never your locked room
- Viewings need access only if your agreement requires it
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The landlord, not the tenant, is at risk here. Repeated unauthorised entry can be prosecuted as harassment or unlawful eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 (fines and possible imprisonment), with civil damages on top. Councils have strengthened civil-penalty powers under the Renters' Rights Act, and since Section 21 was abolished in May 2026 tenants are better protected against retaliatory eviction for complaining. Statutory safety visits — the annual gas safety check and the five-yearly electrical check — still require the landlord to give notice. Beware a myth: "my landlord owns the place and has a key, so they can come in whenever" is false — ownership and a key give no right of entry. If your landlord keeps entering without consent: put your objection in writing, keep a record, and report harassment to the council's tenancy relations team.
📎 Official sources
- Shelter — landlord entering without notice or permission →
- Shelter — harassment by a private landlord →
- GOV.UK — Renters' Rights Act overview for tenants →
❓ Frequently asked
Can my landlord come in without telling me?
No. You have a legal right to quiet enjoyment of your home, so your landlord can't enter without your permission. For routine inspections or repairs they must give at least 24 hours' written notice and visit at a reasonable time. Letting themselves in without notice or consent can amount to unlawful harassment.
How much notice must my landlord give?
At least 24 hours' written notice for non-emergency visits such as inspections or repairs, and they should come at a reasonable time of day. You're entitled to propose an alternative time if it doesn't suit you. The only situation where no notice is required is a genuine emergency, like a fire, flood or serious gas leak.
What if my landlord has a key?
Holding a key gives no right to enter. The key is for emergencies and agreed access, not for letting themselves in at will. Entering with a key but without your permission or proper notice can still be harassment. If it keeps happening, change the locks is risky — instead, object in writing and report it.
Can my landlord show people round to re-let or sell?
Only if your tenancy agreement specifically allows access for viewings. Even then, the landlord must give proper notice and you can suggest a convenient time. You don't have to agree to viewings at short notice or that disrupt you, and you can refuse access where the agreement doesn't provide for it.
What can I do if my landlord keeps entering?
Object in writing and keep a record of each incident. Persistent unauthorised entry can be harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, which is a criminal offence. Report it to your council's tenancy relations or environmental health team, and get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice; you may also claim civil damages.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can my landlord enter without permission”
- “landlord 24 hours notice uk”
- “landlord entering without notice”
- “quiet enjoyment tenant rights”
- “landlord harassment uk”
- “landlord let himself in”