Tenant Privacy
In general, the tenant is able to decide who can and cannot enter the property. The landlord is not entitled to come over at any time he chooses without a valid reason; 'checking that everything is okay' is not a valid reason! Should you plan to leave the property for an extended period of time and wish to leave a spare key with a friend or neighbour, you ought to tell the landlord that you have done so. In an emergency it is then possible for the property to be accessed. If you have left a second key with a friend or neighbour, the landlord can only enter the property by force when accompanied by the police or fire service. The landlord should inform you by post if they intend to visit the property, and will need to give an exact date and time for the visit which they expect will also be convenient for the tenant. The following reasons may also entitle the landlord to visit the property:
- It is necessary to carry out a routine check on the property to ensure that everything is 'okay', and assess whether any repairs should be carried out, or have been carried out if the tenant had agreed to do so in the contract (for example, repaint certain rooms every three years).
- There is a possibility that the tenant is failing to abide by the terms and conditions of the rental contract, for example, there is reason to suspect that they have three illegal subletters living in the apartment, or have carried out unauthorised renovations.
- The landlord visits to inspect damages and problems which the tenant reported.
- The tenant has informed the landlord that they wish to terminate the rental contract and the landlord wishes to show prospective tenants around the property (this reason is also valid should the landlord wish to show prospective buyers the property).
- The property needs to be surveyed, or renovations of the property or building must be prepared, and a visit to the property is necessary.
The landlord is only entitled to enter the accommodation without giving prior notice if there is a clear emergency and their property is endangered, for example, by a broken water main.
