What happens if my landlord enters without permission?
Your home is your castle, even if you rent it. The law gives you a 'Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment'. This means your landlord cannot enter whenever they want—they generally need to give 24 hours' written notice, and you actially have the right to refuse.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
Unlawful Entry
Landlord enters without 24h notice or permission. Maybe they 'just popped round'.
Written Warning
Send a text or email immediately stating: 'Please do not enter without 24h notice as is my legal right'. Keep this as evidence.
Harassment
If they persist, this may be defined as harassment. Start building a log for a Rent Repayment Order.
Change Locks / Report
Change the locks for safety or report to the Council's Tenancy Relations Officer.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Rent Repayment Order Calculator: Estimate how much rent you could claim back (£1,000s) if your landlord is harassing you.
Rent Repayment Valuator
Maximum claimable is 12 months.
Via Rent Repayment Order (RRO)
How this works
If your landlord commits a criminal offence (like harassment, entering without notice, or failing to license an HMO), the First-tier Tribunal can order them to repay up to 12 months of rent. NO WIN NO FEE solicitors often take these cases.
Landlord Harassment Log & Letter Builder: Create a professional legal log and Cease & Desist letter.
Cease & Desist Generator
Preview
[Your Name] [Your Current Address] 16/01/2026 To [Landlord Name], Re: Formal Complaint of Harassement - [Property Address] I am writing to formally record my objection to your recent conduct. On [Date], you attended the property / contacted me by: entering the property without giving 24 hours written notice, which breaches Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and my common law right to "quiet enjoyment". I must remind you that as a tenant, I have a legal right to quiet enjoyment of the property. Harassment is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Specifically, entering the premises without permission or notice is unlawful unless it is a genuine emergency. Please consider this letter a formal request to cease this conduct immediately. Future correspondence should be in writing only. If this behavior continues, I will report the matter to the Council's Private Rented Sector team and consider applying for a Rent Repayment Order. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
The Law: Quiet Enjoyment vs Harassment
1. The Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment: Implied in every tenancy. It means the landlord must let you live in peace. Entering without notice or permission is a breach of contract (Civil Trespass).
2. Protection from Eviction Act 1977: Severe harassment, such as entering repeatedly without notice, changing locks, or cutting off utilities to force you out, is a Criminal Offence.
3. The 24-Hour Rule: Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to give at least 24 hours' notice in writing to view the condition of the property. For viewings, it depends on your contract, but you actially can preserve your quiet enjoyment by saying 'no' to inconvenient times.
Can I change the locks?
Technically, Yes. Unless your tenancy agreement explicitly forbids it (check carefully!), you have the right to change the barrel of the lock to exclude the landlord, provided you:
- Do not damage the door.
- Keep the original lock and replace it when you leave.
- Accept liability if they need emergency access (e.g., gas leak) and have to break the door down.
Note: This usually escalates conflict, so use it as a last resort.
Summary of Options
Refuse Entry
You can legally refuse entry for viewings or inspections if the time doesn't suit you (unless it's an emergency like a gas leak).
Cease & Desist Letter
Send a formal letter warning that further entry will be considered criminal harassment.
Check for Rent Repayment Order
If the landlord has harassed you or illegally evicted you, you could win back up to 12 months' rent.
Common Questions
Is it an emergency?
Genuine emergencies are: Gas leaks, major flooding, fire, or structural danger. A routine inspection, a beeping smoke alarm, or showing a new tenant around is NOT an emergency.
Can they let themselves in if I'm at work?
Only if you have given specific permission for that specific visit. If you said 'No' and they enter anyway using their key, that is trespassing.
My contract says they can enter 'at any time'. Is that valid?
No. That clause is likely an 'Unfair Term' under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and is unenforceable. Statutory rights (like Quiet Enjoyment) override the contract.
What if I just change the locks?
As long as you cause no damage and replace them at the end, it is usually legal. However, check your contract first—breaking a 'no changing locks' clause is a breach of contract (but rare to get evicted for likely).
Can I call the police?
Yes, if you feel threatened or they are using violence to enter. However, for non-violent entry, police often say it is a 'civil matter' (even though harassment is criminal). You usually need the Council's Tenancy Relations Officer.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in housing .
What happens if I receive a Section 21 notice?
A Section 21 'No Fault' notice is the start of a long legal process, not the end of your tenancy. You do not have to leave on the notice date, and many notices are legally invalid.
What happens if I stop paying my energy bills?
Stopping energy payments triggers a series of escalations from the supplier, including forced prepayment meters and potentially CCJs. However, there are strict protections for vulnerable people.
What happens if my landlord sells the property?
A landlord selling does NOT mean you have to leave immediately. You often have the right to stay as a 'Sitting Tenant' until your contract ends.