Guidance for tenants

You have the right to live in your home without unnecessary interference. This is often referred to as the right to quiet enjoyment.

It means you should be able to use your home peacefully without repeated or unannounced visits.

Your landlord can enter your home for specific reasons such as carrying out repairs, inspections or safety checks.

They cannot enter whenever they want and must follow the rules on notice and access.

In most situations your landlord must give reasonable notice before entering your home. This is usually at least 24 hours.

The visit should take place at a reasonable time of day unless there is an emergency.

A landlord can enter without notice only in a genuine emergency where there is a serious risk to people or the property.

Examples may include a major water leak or a suspected gas emergency.

You should try to allow reasonable access for necessary visits but this should be arranged at a time that works for you where possible.

If the proposed time is not suitable you can suggest an alternative.

Entering your home without notice or agreement may be a breach of your right to privacy.

If this happens repeatedly it may be considered harassment.

A landlord may keep keys for emergencies or agreed access but they should not use them to enter without notice or consent.

Having keys does not remove your right to privacy.

If you are uncomfortable with how access is being handled you should keep a record of what has happened.

We can offer guidance if you are unsure about your rights or next steps.

We can offer guidance if you believe access rules are not being followed or if you feel harassed or pressured.

We can also explain what the law says and what options may be available to you.