Can your landlord enter without notice or permission?

Your landlord or letting agent should not come into your home without:

• telling you they are coming

• asking you if it is okay for them to visit

Your landlord might have a reason to come in. But they should not enter without your permission, even if they have a key.

Shared houses

If you have a tenancy agreement just for your own room, your landlord could come into the shared areas. But they should still have a good reason. For example, repairs.

Your landlord should tell you when and why they are coming. They cannot:

• come into your bedroom unless you say it's okay

• harass or threaten you if they come into shared areas

When should you let someone come in?

Your landlord might want to visit for a reason. Or they might ask someone else to come to your home. For example, a plumber or electrician. Ask to see ID if you are not sure about the person.

You should try to agree a time if:

• a gas or electrical safety check is needed

• your landlord wants to see the property condition

• you reported a repair or damp problem to your landlord

Safety checks

Your landlord must arrange:

• gas safety checks once a year

• electrical safety checks every 5 years

They should send you an email or letter to say when the engineer or electrician will visit.

Repair problems and inspections

Your landlord has responsibility for most repairs in your home.

If you report a problem in writing, your landlord must fix it in a reasonable time. You should let the landlord or contractors in so they can do this.

Your landlord can also inspect your home to see if repairs are needed.

They must:

• give you at least 24 hours' notice in writing

• come at a reasonable time of day

It should not be too early or too late, or when most people would be busy.

More on landlord access for repairs and inspections.

If you will not be at home

You could:

• suggest another time for the appointment

• ask a trusted friend or neighbour to be there

• allow your landlord to let themselves or someone else in with a key

Viewings near the end of your tenancy

Your landlord or agent might want to:

• do a checkout inspection

• bring new tenants round to view the property

Check your tenancy agreement

You do not have to agree to inspections or viewings unless your agreement says you should.

If your agreement says you should allow access, it's often best to agree a time.

It could help with references and getting your deposit back.

You might break your tenancy agreement if you say your landlord cannot come in.

If your landlord is selling the property

Your landlord can sell the property either:

• while you still live there

• after giving you notice to leave because they are selling

Your landlord might ask if buyers, estate agents or surveyors can visit.

You only have to agree to this if your tenancy agreement says you should.