Landlord Notice for emergency access to property
In the UK, there are laws in place that dictate when and how a landlord can gain emergency access to their property. If a tenant does not give access, there are steps that the landlord can take.
Download Your Profession letter giving legal notice to a tenant for emergency access
Can Landlords Visit Without Tenant Permission?
In emergency situations, landlords are legally allowed to enter their rental properties without the tenant's permission. However, there are a few conditions that must be met in order for this to be permissible:
- The landlord must have a legitimate reason for wanting to gain access (e.g. there is a gas leak or the property is flooding)
- The landlord must give the tenant reasonable notice before entering the property
- The landlord can only enter during daylight hours
- The landlord must not cause any damage to the property while gaining entry
Download Your Profession letter giving legal notice to a tenant for emergency access
What Happens if the Tenant Refuses to Allow Access?
If the tenant refuses to allow emergency access, the landlord can apply to the court for an order that will allow them to enter the property. The landlord will need to provide evidence to the court that emergency access is necessary and that they have followed all of the correct procedures.
If the court grants an order, the landlord must then give the tenant a reasonable amount of time to comply with it before taking any further action. If the tenant still refuses to allow access, the landlord can then force entry to the property with the help of a police officer.
As a landlord, you may need emergency access to your rental property for a number of reasons. Perhaps there has been an issue with the property that needs to be addressed immediately or you suspect that the tenant has vacated the premises without notice. Whatever the reason, it is important to know your rights and what steps you need to take in order to gain emergency access to your property.
Download Your Profession letter giving legal notice to a tenant for emergency access
Under UK law, a landlord can only gain emergency access to their rental property in certain circumstances. These include if there is an emergency that needs to be dealt with, if the property has been abandoned or if the tenant has breached the terms of their tenancy agreement.
- Landlords need the right to access their rental property for a few reasons, with the most common being repairs or maintenance. There are also several safety inspections that all rentals in the UK must have:
- Gas Safety inspection (every 12 months)
- Electrical inspection (every five years)
- Energy performance assessment (every ten years).
Landlord’s right to enter in emergencies
In an emergency situation, a landlord has the right to enter their rental property without permission. Examples of an emergency include:
- A fire In the property
- Structural damage that requires immediate attention
- Water flowing from The building
- A strong smell of gas
- Suspicion of a violent or criminal incidentOn-site welfare checks
If you need emergency access to your rental property, you should first try to contact the tenant. If they are not available or do not respond, you can then proceed to contact the local authority. The local authority will then assess the situation and determine whether or not emergency access is warranted.
If emergency access is granted, the landlord must follow a specific set of procedures. They must provide the tenant with written notice of their intention to enter the property and they must also specify the date and time that they will be entering. The landlord must also give the tenant a reasonable amount of time to respond.
Download Your Profession letter giving legal notice to a tenant for emergency access
If the tenant does not give emergency access, the landlord can take steps to evict them. This is a last resort and should only be done if all other options have been exhausted.