Landlord Access for Viewings: Your Rights in Wales

As a renter in Wales, you have important rights when it comes to your landlord entering your home, especially for viewings. Understanding these rights helps you protect your privacy and ensures your landlord follows the law. In this article, we’ll break down what the law says, when your landlord can legally enter, and what you can do if your rights are not respected.

Your Right to Privacy in Your Rented Home

By law, tenants in Wales are entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of their property. This means your landlord or letting agent cannot enter your home whenever they please. Your privacy is protected under key Welsh housing legislation, and there are clear rules about when and how a landlord can enter—for instance, to carry out repairs, inspections, or property viewings for prospective new tenants or buyers.

When Can Your Landlord Enter for Viewings?

Your landlord’s right to enter your home for viewings (showing the property to prospective tenants or buyers) depends on the terms of your tenancy agreement and the law. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, they:

• Must give you at least 24 hours' written notice before entering, unless it’s an emergency
• Should arrange viewings at a reasonable time of day
• Do not require you to be present for the viewing, but must still provide proper notice

If your landlord repeatedly enters without notice, or attempts to arrange excessive viewings, this could breach your right to quiet enjoyment.

You Don’t Have to Be Present—But Your Consent Matters

There is no legal requirement for the tenant to be present during viewings, as long as the landlord has met the notice and timing conditions. However, it’s good practice for landlords to check if the timing is convenient or negotiate with you—your preferences matter.

If you are uncomfortable about strangers viewing your home without you present, discuss your concerns with your landlord and see if you can agree on suitable arrangements.

What About Letting Agents?

If a letting agent manages your property, these rules still apply. Agents must provide proper notice to you before arranging any viewing, inspection, or access.

If Your Privacy Is Breached: Forms and How to Act

If your landlord or agent enters without proper notice or your consent (outside permitted situations), take these action steps:

• Document incidents: Keep a dated record and, if possible, photo evidence
• Communicate in writing: Politely remind your landlord of your rights and request future compliance
• Contact Rent Smart Wales: If informal steps don’t work, you can raise a formal complaint

Relevant Official Forms

• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Written Statement of Contract: Your landlord must provide you with this document detailing your rights, including entry and notice provisions.
  
  • When to Use: If you need to check your specific contract terms or seek clarity in a dispute.
  • Official Welsh Government Model Occupation Contracts
• Housing Ombudsman Complaint Form: Use this to escalate unresolved issues after following your landlord’s complaints procedure.
  
  • When to Use: If your landlord repeatedly breaches privacy or notice rules and direct complaints have failed.
  • Housing Ombudsman Make a Complaint Form

The Tribunal for Disputes

In Wales, tenancy disputes are handled by the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. They can decide on cases where landlords or agents breach access or privacy rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my home when I'm not there for a viewing in Wales?
   Yes, as long as they give you at least 24 hours’ written notice and schedule it at a reasonable time. Your occupation contract may have additional terms.
2. What if my landlord enters without giving notice?
   This could be a breach of your right to quiet enjoyment under the law. You should keep a record, remind them in writing of your rights, and consider contacting Rent Smart Wales or the Residential Property Tribunal if the issue continues.
3. Do I have to allow every viewing if I'm not comfortable?
   You must allow reasonable access for viewings if your landlord gives notice and follows your tenancy agreement. However, viewings should be at reasonable times and not overly frequent.
4. Can I change the locks to prevent unwanted entry?
   You should not alter the locks without your landlord’s permission. If you feel unsafe, seek advice from Rent Smart Wales or Shelter Cymru first.
5. Who can I contact if my letting agent ignores the rules?
   All letting agents must follow the same laws. You can complain to Rent Smart Wales or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for persistent issues.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Your landlord can enter for viewings if they give you at least 24 hours’ written notice and visit at a reasonable time.
• You do not have to be present for the viewing, but your preferences should be respected where possible.
• If your privacy is repeatedly breached, take clear action: document the issue, communicate with your landlord, and use official channels if needed.

Understanding your rights helps you maintain both your privacy and a positive rental relationship.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Housing Information – Official information on renting and your rights
• Rent Smart Wales – Licensing and complaints about landlords or letting agents
• Shelter Cymru – Free advice for tenants in Wales
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – For disputes about landlord access or breach of contract

---

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Welsh Government Model Occupation Contracts
3. Housing Ombudsman: Make a Complaint (official site)
4. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
5. Rent Smart Wales

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation