Landlord Entry Rules and Unannounced Visits in Wales

It can be stressful when your landlord turns up unannounced, especially if you're unsure about what your rights are in Wales or how to respond. Understanding the law around landlord entry and your privacy rights as a renter will help you handle these situations calmly and confidently.

Your Privacy Rights as a Tenant in Wales

Under Welsh housing law, tenants have a legal right to quiet enjoyment of their rented property. This means living in your home without interference from your landlord or letting agent, except in circumstances permitted by law.

• Except in an emergency, your landlord must give you at least 24 hours' notice in writing before they visit for repairs, inspections, or viewings.
• The visit should be at a reasonable time of day, unless you agree otherwise.
• These rules apply regardless of your tenancy type, including occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.¹

When Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice?

There are very limited occasions when a landlord can legally enter your home without giving notice:

• Emergencies: For example, fire, gas leaks, or if urgent repairs are needed to prevent damage.
• With your express consent at the time of entry.

Any other unannounced visit is likely a breach of your rights to privacy and quiet enjoyment.

What to Do If Your Landlord Arrives Unannounced

If your landlord turns up without warning, remain calm and take these steps:

• Politely remind them that 24 hours’ notice is required by law unless there's an emergency.
• Do not feel pressured to let them in—if it is not an allowed circumstance, you can refuse entry.
• Record details of the incident (date, time, what happened). Photos or notes can help if you need to take it further.
• Communicate in writing (email or letter) stating your concerns. Request future visits comply with legal notice periods.
• If you feel unsafe, contact local authorities such as the police or your local council housing team.

Taking Action: Making a Formal Complaint

If your landlord repeatedly ignores the rules, there are official routes for resolving the issue:

• Raise a formal complaint directly with your landlord or their agent, keeping copies of all correspondence.
• If unresolved, escalate to your local council’s housing department, especially if you feel harassed.
• If your landlord’s behaviour amounts to harassment, you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.² They handle disputes relating to rented housing in Wales.

For serious cases such as harassment or illegal eviction attempts, contact the police or seek urgent legal advice.

Relevant Official Forms

• RHE1 Form (Applying to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales): Use this form if you want to raise a dispute regarding unlawful entry or related matters.
  Find the form and full guidance on the official Tribunal forms page. Example: If your landlord repeatedly enters unannounced, you may complete the RHE1 form to ask the Tribunal for a determination on harassment or breach of tenancy rights.

Harassment and Illegal Eviction

Repeated unannounced visits could be considered harassment under the law. Harassment includes any action by your landlord designed to make you leave your home or give up rights. Illegal eviction (removing you without a court order) is a criminal offence.

If this happens, contact your local council's tenancy relations officer immediately or seek advice from a legal service.

1. Can my landlord let themselves in with their own keys?
   Usually, no. Unless there is an emergency or you have given permission, landlords must always provide 24 hours' written notice and agree a reasonable time to enter.
2. What qualifies as an 'emergency' for landlord entry?
   Emergencies are urgent situations—for example, a fire, severe water leak, or a gas escape. Routine repairs or inspections are not emergencies.
3. Should I call the police if my landlord won't leave?
   If you feel threatened or your landlord refuses to leave when asked, you can contact the police. However, try to resolve non-threatening situations calmly first with a written follow-up.
4. What if my landlord keeps entering without notice?
   Document every incident. Write to your landlord, and if they continue, contact your local council’s housing team or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for help.
5. How do I make a complaint to the tribunal?
   Complete the RHE1 form found on the official website, attach evidence, and submit as directed in the guidance.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Wales must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering, except for emergencies.
• Unannounced visits are likely a breach of your legal rights to privacy and quiet enjoyment.
• If problems continue, document incidents and use official forms or seek help from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Tenant Guidance – Official overview of your rights and responsibilities.
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Apply for dispute resolution or mediation on tenancy issues.
• Shelter Cymru Advice – Free advice for renters facing landlord problems.
• Local Council Housing Teams – Contact for harassment, illegal eviction, or serious landlord disputes.

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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