Landlord's Right to Access : Advice Please

[Raistlin]

Ok, so, I need a reference that provides information on the Landlord and Tenant's legal rights with regard to the Landlord gaining access to their property.

Specifically something that will tell me what the Tenant can do about a Landlord who continually enters the property (leaving lights on, not flushing the toilet, etc), or who gives unknown workmen access to the property, without either giving the Tenant notice or even informing them that it's happening.

The Tenancy agreement says that the Landlord should provide notice, but ideally I'd like to know what the Tenant's legal rights are in addition to this.

Anybody got any ideas?

Thanks

[Wayfair]

Loads n loads of good advice here Raistlin.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/...th_renting.htm

Sooooooooo it looks like you are well within your rights to refuse him access unless

"Your landlord has a right to reasonable access to carry out repairs. What ‘reasonable access’ means depends on why your landlord needs to get access. For example, in an emergency, your landlord is entitled to immediate access to carry out any necessary work.

Your landlord also has a right to enter the property to inspect the state of repair or to empty a fuel slot meter, but they should always ask for your permission and should give you at least 24 hours notice."

[Raistlin]

Originally Posted by Wayfair

Loads n loads of good advice here Raistlin.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/...th_renting.htm

Sooooooooo it looks like you are well within your rights to refuse him access unless

Thanks Wayfair, nice links

I've also found the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 which supports the text you linked to.

[Peter_]

If he continues then change the lock and inform him as to why you have done so as you are securing your property.

[Raistlin]

Originally Posted by Masque

If he continues then change the lock and inform him as to why you have done so as you are securing your property.

Given that there's a legal requirement on the Tenant not to hinder access by the Landlord (or an agent appointed by them in writing) for the purposes of conducting 'emergency' and immediate repairs / inspections without notice you would probably find that changing the locks would probably not be lawful.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Given that there's a legal requirement on the Tenant not to hinder access by the Landlord (or an agent appointed by them in writing) for the purposes of conducting 'emergency' and immediate repairs / inspections without notice you would probably find that changing the locks would probably not be lawful.

Pity as it is something I would do if he continued to do so, possibly a solicitors letter is needed.

[Raistlin]

I think *something's* needed, thanks for your input

[nffc]

Originally Posted by Masque

If he continues then change the lock and inform him as to why you have done so as you are securing your property.

No, you're locking him out of his property.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

I think *something's* needed, thanks for your input

I just hate things like that as they make my blood boil as you have no idea what they are doing while you are at work, so the legal avenue is the way to go as the physical option is out of the question.

---------- Post added at 21:00 ---------- Previous post was at 20:59 ----------

Originally Posted by nffc

No, you're locking him out of his property.

Yes he has already said so above, but he still should give notice and not waltz in whenever he feels like it.

[Raistlin]

Actually, I've done some looking in to this, and it would appear that where a Landlord persists with this behaviour the Tenant may be well within their rights to have the locks change to protect their rights under something called the 'Covenent of Quiet Enjoyment'

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Actually, I've done some looking in to this, and it would appear that where a Landlord persists with this behaviour the Tenant may be well within their rights to have the locks change to protect their rights under something called the 'Covenent of Quiet Enjoyment'

I did not know that but I am glad my gut reaction was close, at least you have the option if required.

[Maggy J]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Actually, I've done some looking in to this, and it would appear that where a Landlord persists with this behaviour the Tenant may be well within their rights to have the locks change to protect their rights under something called the 'Covenent of Quiet Enjoyment'

In the meantime you need to have somewhere you can lock away valuables and personal paperwork etc.

[Raistlin]

Fortunately it's not me that's affected, if it were I'd be sat in the dark waiting for them the next time they came in - they'd get a shock they'd never forget, and they wouldn't do it again.

[Maggy J]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Fortunately it's not me that's affected, if it were I'd be sat in the dark waiting for them the next time they came in - they'd get a shock they'd never forget, and they wouldn't do it again.

The advice about keeping private papers secure still stands though in the case of your friend..

[Raistlin]

Indeed it does. Thanks