Q&A
This section of our website outlines common questions and responses to them. It is quite likely that someone has had a similar problem to you in the past. However please feel free to e-mail or telephone us with your own queries.
“Can a private landlord conduct a spot check without me being in the property and at short notice?”
No, the landlord must give you at least 24 hours notice in writing. If you object to the landlord entering without you being present, you are entitled to ask him to arrange another time so you can be there.
“My landlord entered the property while I was not there. Is this allowed?”
This may constitute harassment, which is a criminal offence. You could consider reporting him to the Local Authority, as they are the prosecuting authority for harassment offences. They will write to your Landlord on your behalf. If the landlord continues to enter without permission and you are worried about security, you could also consider changing the locks. Although this may be in breach of the terms of your tenancy agreement, your landlord can hardly object if the reason for the lock change is his own actions in entering without leave, which is also a breach of the tenancy agreement. (as per 26 July 2009 ).
We understand that harassment situations can be complicated and would be happy to discuss your situation with you before you take any action
“My landlord has given me notice to leave the property after 5 months on a 1 year contract.”
He cannot require you to leave before the end of the fixed term unless he has a court order (which would take him several months to obtain even if you were in serious arrears of rent).