Can your landlord just turn up?

What the Law Actually Says

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property, and entry must be at a reasonable time. The notice should be in writing — a text message or email counts, but a knock on the door five minutes before does not. The only exception is a genuine emergency — a gas leak, a burst pipe causing flooding, a fire, or another situation where immediate entry is necessary to prevent serious harm. Your right to 'quiet enjoyment' of the property is a fundamental part of your tenancy. It means you have the right to live in your home without interference from your landlord.

What This Means for You

If your landlord enters without notice or your consent, this is a breach of your right to quiet enjoyment. If it happens repeatedly, it could amount to harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, which is a criminal offence. You don't have to let your landlord in without proper notice, even if they insist. You can politely but firmly decline entry and ask them to provide written notice and arrange a time.

What To Do Next

• Write to your landlord reminding them of the legal requirement for 24 hours' written notice before entry
• Keep a log of any unauthorised entries or access attempts, with dates, times, and what happened
• Take photos or screenshots of any messages where your landlord demands entry without proper notice
• Contact your local council's housing enforcement team if the behaviour continues
• Seek legal advice if you believe you're being harassed — Shelter's free helpline is a good starting point

Common Mistakes

• Assuming landlords can enter whenever they want because they own the property
• Not keeping records of unauthorised entries
• Feeling too intimidated to assert your rights
• Confusing a genuine emergency with routine inspections
• Not knowing that repeated unauthorised entry is a criminal offence