Giving a private landlord access for repairs and inspections
You must let your landlord into the property in certain circumstances.
They must get your permission and give you the right amount of notice before they can come in.
They cannot enter the property if you refuse them access. They can apply to a housing tribunal if they need access.
When you must give your landlord access
You must give your landlord access to:
- inspect the property
- check if they need to do repairs
- do repair work
It’s your choice to let them access the property for any other reason.
How much notice you should get
Depending on the type of tenancy you have, your landlord must give you:
- 48 hours’ notice, if you have a private residential tenancy
- 24 hours’ notice, if you have an assured or short assured tenancy
Your landlord can only give you less notice in an emergency. For example, stopping flooding into a property below you.
If you do not allow access to the property
Your landlord can take you to the First-Tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
The tribunal will decide if your landlord has a legal right to get access. You can give reasons or evidence why you have refused them access.
If the tribunal decides in your landlord’s favour, it will arrange a time and date for them to access the property.