What to check for in your tenancy agreement
When your landlord can come in
Your landlord must give you written notice before they come in, no matter what reason.
Written notice means your landlord must let you know in writing when they are coming. It could be an email, text, message or written on paper.
Your tenancy agreement must not say your landlord can come in when they want.
It might say:
how much notice they must give you
when and how often the landlord can come round
If you refuse to let your landlord or agent in, they should not let themselves in or break into the property. But you could be breaking your tenancy agreement if you do not let them in after they give you written notice that they are coming.
Shared houses
If you rent a room in a shared house, your landlord can enter the shared areas without telling you before they come.
But they cannot go into your bedroom unless you say it is okay and they give you proper notice.
They should only come into the building if there is a good reason. For example, for repairs.
Repairs and inspections
Your landlord is responsible for repairs and gas safety checks each year even if this is not in your agreement.
You need to let them or their contractors in to do the repairs or safety checks. You can agree a suitable time for this.
Inspecting the property
It is okay for your agreement to say the landlord can come in to check the condition of the property, as long as:
visits are not too frequent
the landlord tells you when they are coming
You should be given at least 24 hours' written notice if your agreement does not say how much notice you get.
If the landlord wants to enter when it does not suit you, you can ask for another time.
Example term: Inspecting conditions
"The landlord requires entry to the property every six months to inspect its condition. 48 hours' written notice will be given."
This means the landlord can do an inspection every 6 months. They should write to you 2 days before they come.
Viewings for new tenants
Your tenancy agreement might give other reasons the landlord can come in. For example, to show other people the property if you plan to leave.
Example term: Viewings at the end of a tenancy
Mel's tenancy agreement says:
"During the last two months of the tenancy the landlord reserves the right to enter the property at reasonable times of the day and upon serving reasonable notice, to allow viewings by prospective tenants."
Mel might break her tenancy agreement if she does not let the landlord or agent show new tenants round in the last 2 months of her tenancy.
This could lead to problems with references or Mel getting her deposit back.
A 'reasonable time of the day' means a time that suits you. It should not be too early or too late, or when most people would be busy. Tell your landlord if you want another time.
'Reasonable notice' is usually at least 24 hours, but you can try to agree another time.
Last updated: 18 September 2023
