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Landlord Entering Without Permission
Your landlord should usually give you at least 24 hours' written notice before an inspection, and visit at reasonable times. Even in an emergency they should tell you first rather than just turning up. If your landlord comes in without notice or permission, it could be harassment.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Rights
Notice and Times
You should get at least 24 hours' written notice of an inspection; for repairs, reasonable notice is usually at least 24 hours. Landlords should only do work or inspect at reasonable times. In an emergency notice can be very short, but your landlord must tell you first and should not just turn up. source
When You Should Let Them In
You generally need to allow access for gas and electrical safety checks, repairs you reported and urgent problems; refusing could put your safety at risk and break your tenancy. For inspections, improvements or viewings, check your tenancy agreement. You can suggest a different time. Entering without notice or permission could be harassment. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 24 hoursWritten notice of an inspectionUsually at least 24 hours for repairs too
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Keep a record of each visit: date, time and whether you were warned.
Step 2 of 5
Write to your landlord asking for proper notice in future. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Offer another time if a visit does not suit you.
Step 4 of 5
If it continues, contact your council's housing team.
Step 5 of 5
Get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Landlord, in Writing
Ask for proper notice.
Your Local Council
If it continues: harassment can be a crime.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Do not change the locks without advice: it could breach your tenancy.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.