My landlord entered my home without notice, is this legal?

As a tenant, you have a fundamental right to quiet enjoyment of your home under the covenant implied into all tenancy agreements. This means your landlord cannot enter the property without your permission, even though they own it.

The law requires landlords to give at least 24 hours' written notice before accessing the property for inspections or repairs, and access must be at a reasonable time. This requirement is set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and is a term implied into all assured shorthold tenancies. Many tenancy agreements also include this as an express term.

If your landlord enters without notice or consent, this is both a breach of contract and potentially a criminal offence. Repeated unauthorised entry can amount to harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, for which there are both criminal and civil remedies.

You should: (1) write to your landlord formally reminding them of their legal obligation to give notice; (2) keep a log of every unauthorised entry including dates, times, and what was said; (3) if it continues, report it to your local council's tenancy relations officer; (4) consider applying to the county court for an injunction if the behaviour persists.

Changing the locks to prevent access is legally risky without advice, as your landlord may have a right of entry in emergencies. A housing solicitor can advise on whether a change of locks is appropriate in your circumstances.