You usually must give your landlord reasonable access to inspect and repair, with notice. Refusing can delay your repair. Here is how access works.
Direct answer
Yes, usually. You normally have to give your landlord reasonable access to inspect and carry out repairs, as long as they give you proper notice, normally at least 24 hours, except in an emergency. Letting them in for genuine repairs actually helps you. If you keep being told there was "no access," call us free on 0800 030 4669.
How access works
- Your landlord should give you reasonable notice, normally at least 24 hours, and come at a reasonable time.
- In a real emergency, they can enter to make things safe.
- You can ask for an appointment that suits you, but you should not block genuine repair visits.
Why "no access" matters
Landlords sometimes close a repair job saying there was "no access." If that happens when you were never properly told they were coming, say so in writing. A wrongly recorded "no access" can delay your repair, and it is worth challenging.
What to do
- Reply to repair appointments and keep a note of the dates.
- If a time does not suit you, offer another one in writing.
- Keep copies of texts, emails and letters about access.
How we can help
If your landlord is using "no access" as an excuse while real repairs go undone, call us free on 0800 030 4669 and we will look at what has happened.
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Sources
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 25 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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