How much notice does a landlord have to give tenants to enter a property?

nightmareinnorthlondon

Quick question.

How much notice does a landlord have to give if he wants to enter a property that is rented out (when there is no emergency etc)?

Is there a statutory amount of time?

RAS

Written notice, all least 24 hours by AGREEMENT. No absolute right to enter otherwise except in an emergency.

*miaomiao*

You don't have to allow the LL access, but if you are hoping to have an amicable relationship and to stay there longer than your lease allows (ie. on a rolling or periodic tenancy or a new tenancy) it might be really useful to try to accommodate their access although you can specify the times when it is convenient for you. If you do agree, ideally you should reply in writing to your landlord's request even if this means that it takes some time for confirmation to access the building. If you feel comfortable, you could also follow this up with a phone call to let the LL know if you agree and when they are able to access the building.

Why don't you let us know more of the details (like why they need access?) and we can help.

theartfullodger

(Unless the tenant invites LL in...) the Landlord has only one legal right to enter the property.. under...

"Landlord and Tenant Act 1985"

Section 8 Implied terms as to fitness for human habitation
(1)In a contract to which this section applies for the letting of a house for human habitation there is implied, notwithstanding any stipulation to the contrary—
(a)a condition that the house is fit for human habitation at the commencement of the tenancy, and
(b)an undertaking that the house will be kept by the landlord fit for human habitation during the tenancy.
(2)The landlord, or a person authorised by him in writing, may at reasonable times of the day, on giving 24 hours’ notice in writing to the tenant or occupier, enter premises to which this section applies for the purpose of viewing their state and condition.

Note - "in writing" - not 'phone call, not email, not TXT, in writing (on a piece of paper..). Also note "viewing their state and condition" as part of section 8 so that it will be

kept by the landlord fit for human habitation during the tenancy

So present Landlord with list of repairs required & you will save his time!! It is not for the landlord to complain about how you live, eg if you wish to keep coal in the bath, sink piled with mouldy plates, vinyl floors filthy, curtains drawn all day that is your right - as long as you return the place as it was, less fair-wear-'n-tear, at the end of the tenancy.

As indicated above Tenant has an absolute right to refuse all visits, viewings, inspections, surveys, repair visits (careful about that one..) etc etc..

However it is usually helpful to both sides to cooperate in a friendly manner - if this is possible! (LL may be a b****ard... and it ain't possible).


Cheers!

Artful (Landlord since 2000)

(Assuming you are tenant: You could be Landlord, description above still correct)

G_M

The issue of right of access / right to quiet enjoyment is legally complex, as is the associated notice required. It is endlessly debated on here and elsewhere.

The best explanation I've seen recently is here, so read and enjoy!

Hump

s8 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 continues and includes sub sections 3,4,5 and 6 ..... - I think the rent levels set in (4) are annual rent limits

Nikel

Theres the legal requirement which is the minimum (24 hours in writing, by agreement). But of course if you called the tenant you could always agree less time as long as they are completely happy to do so.