Landlord entry rights: when can your landlord come in?
Direct answer
Your tenancy gives you exclusive possession of your home. There is a narrow statutory right to enter for inspection of the state of repair, with at least 24 hours written notice. Beyond that, repeated unannounced entry can amount to harassment.
Section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 gives a landlord (with a repair obligation) the right to enter at reasonable times of the day, after giving at least 24 hours written notice, but only for the purpose of viewing the state and condition of the property.
Repeated unannounced entry, entry at unreasonable hours, or entry combined with threatening behaviour can constitute the offence under section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. This is legal information, not legal advice.
Free checkers
- Illegal eviction checker
Free interactive checker for lockouts, harassment, utility cut-offs, and other unlawful landlord conduct. - Illegal eviction guide
Being forced out without a court order is a criminal offence. This guide covers what counts as illegal eviction and how to get emergency help.
Related guidance inside this topic
- If your next step turns on illegal eviction and harassment protection, read tenant rights guide.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind illegal eviction and harassment protection, see renter questions hub before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with illegal eviction and harassment protection, check illegal eviction rights to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of illegal eviction and harassment protection, use landlord eviction rules guide for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on illegal eviction and harassment protection, start with illegal eviction help so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.
Related articles
- Section 21 validity outcome guides
Primary Section 21 validity hub: all 72 outcome guides from the checker, grouped by deposit protection, prescribed documents, notice timing, licensing, and retaliatory eviction. - Section 21 abolished: what happens now?
The transition guide for pre-cutoff notices, the 1 May 2026 changeover, and when possession analysis switches to Section 8. - Rent increase rules in England
The split between pre-1 May 2026 and post-1 May 2026 section 13 rules, including Form 4, Form 4A, notice periods, and tribunal rights. - Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026. - Renters' Rights Act 2026: complete guide
The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes.
Common questions
- Can my landlord enter my home without notice?
- Only in genuine emergencies, fire, gas leak, flood, immediate threat to safety. For routine inspections, repairs, or any other purpose, the landlord must give at least 24 hours written notice and only enter at a reasonable time of day.
- What does 'reasonable time' mean?
- Normally between 9am and 8pm on weekdays. Early-morning, late-night, or weekend visits without specific tenant agreement are not reasonable.
- Can my landlord let themselves in with a key?
- No. Holding keys does not give the landlord the right to enter. Using keys without your knowledge or consent is potentially harassment under section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, a criminal offence.
Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.