Notice of Entry — 24 Hours' Written Notice

A 24-hour written notice of entry for landlords in England, based on section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Gives the tenant written notice of a visit at a reasonable time of day to view the condition and state of repair of the premises.

*Written notice to view the condition and state of repair of the property*

Last reviewed: 2026-08-01. Next review: 2026-11-01.

Notice of entry

Complete and serve this at least 24 hours before the proposed visit. Keep a copy and note how and when it was served.

Wording you can use

Dear [tenant name],

I am writing to give you at least 24 hours' written notice that I (or my agent) would like to enter the property at [address] on [date] at [time], to view its condition and state of repair.

This notice is given under section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. If that date or time is not convenient, please contact me and we will arrange an alternative. You do not have to agree to the visit, and I will not enter without your agreement.

Yours sincerely, [landlord / agent name]

What the law says

Section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 provides that the landlord, or a person authorised by the landlord in writing, may at reasonable times of the day and on giving 24 hours' notice in writing to the occupier enter the premises for the purpose of viewing their condition and state of repair.

The right is limited. It covers viewing the condition and state of repair — it is not a general right to enter whenever the landlord wishes, and it does not override the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment of their home.

• Notice must be in writing and given at least 24 hours in advance.
• The visit must be at a reasonable time of day.
• The tenant can refuse entry — notice alone does not create a right to force entry.
• Entering without consent, or repeated unwanted visits, may amount to harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
• In a genuine emergency such as a fire, flood or gas leak, immediate access is justified without notice.

Good-practice notes

• Give more than 24 hours where you can — most disputes come from short notice, not from the visit itself.
• Offer an alternative date in the same notice so the tenant can reply easily.
• Name the contractor in advance if someone other than you will attend.
• Keep a copy of the notice and the tenant's reply; a dated record protects both sides.
• If the tenant refuses repeatedly and repairs cannot be carried out, take advice rather than entering without consent.

Important

This is a general template based on section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and is not legal advice. Your tenancy agreement may contain its own access provisions, which cannot reduce the tenant's statutory protection.

Sources: - legislation.gov.uk — Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, section 11(6) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/70/section/11 - legislation.gov.uk — Protection from Eviction Act 1977, section 1 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/43/section/1 - GOV.UK — Renting out your property: landlord responsibilities — https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property