How to deal with impromptu visits from your landlord as a student renter

We are not lawyers and are not licensed to give legal advice. All information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice. For guidance on specific situations, please consult a qualified solicitor.

Every university experience has its ups and downs and over the past few weeks I’ve come to realise that all my main hardships have come from renting a house. University life is not just about finding the right friends and achieving your readings on time, it’s also about finding your own place and trying to make it feel like home away from home. To make your university experience smooth sailing, you have to know your rights as a private renter. 

With Christmas just around the corner and your friends planning a Secret Santa for your flat, the last thing your “secret present” should be is your landlord walking in to do a house tour while you’re wearing your best reindeer PJs. With that in mind, let’s dive into the main issue of this blog: who has a right to access your home, and in what situations will those rights actually arise.

First thing to keep in mind is to always read your contract carefully, as not all types of contracts offer the same rights. As a tenant, you have absolute possession of the house. Common types of rent agreements are: tenancy agreements, Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), joint tenancy agreements, and licence agreements. 

As a student tenant, you are entitled to enjoy your home in peace. Landlords must give you WRITTEN notice, at least 24 hours in advance, and only visit during reasonable hours. Of course, emergency situations such as a fire, a major leak or a suspected gas leak constitute a major exception to this rule, whereby a landlord can enter without notice. Any clause in the tenancy agreement allowing the landlord to visit whenever they like is an unfair term and will be considered void. If it’s not specified, don’t hesitate to ask about safety checks and inspection dates. 

Sometimes landlords use real estate agencies to manage their properties; you may have to deal with the agency during your tenancy. The agency will handle day-to-day tasks such as collecting rent, organising repairs and maintenance, and conducting inspections and visits. Ultimately, the landlord will be responsible for legal obligations. This is why it is essential to know who your point of contact is, as this should be stated in your tenancy agreement. 

To protect your interests as a tenant, it’s a good idea to keep a record of anything that happens during your tenancy, such as visits, repairs or other issues. Having a record can make things easier if you ever need to resolve an issue later on. Keep the record for a few months after the tenancy ends, in case of deposit disputes or complaints. 

We will now look at a few tips for what to do if your landlord or letting agent ignores the notice rule. 

• First and foremost, stay safe and calm.

• Always speak up if you feel unsafe or harassed; prioritise your safety. In situations that do not present an immediate emergency, you are under no obligation to let the person in. 

• Record everything. This may help you to feel more comfortable. 

• Make an entry in your log including the people present, photos (e.g. of notes slipped under the door) and screenshots of messages.

• Contact the real estate agency and/or the landlord to inform them of your concerns. Refer to your right to quiet enjoyment and the requirement for 24 hours' notice. Calling them directly is even more efficient. 

  
  

Sometimes landlords or agencies don’t give proper notice about visits, not because they don’t want to, but because of communication issues. That’s why it’s important to insist on a way of communicating that actually works for you. Often, notices about viewings or maintenance are sent by automated systems using emails or texts, which may not work properly.

If you’re an international student you may have personally encountered this problem since non-UK phone numbers aren’t compatible with these systems. If that’s you, ask for an alternative like WhatsApp, phone calls, or written notes. Even if they do not offer you an alternative at first, it’s important that you insist on getting one. Landlords and agencies have to ensure that you’re informed. It is their responsibility to make sure you receive clear information, so speak up if their system isn’t working for you. 

Still have questions or need extra support? Reach out to the University of Leicester Legal Advice Clinic… They’re here to help you understand your rights and get the answers you need!

Author: Justine Do Rosario