Updated October 2026
In short: If the garden is part of what you rent, your landlord generally needs your permission, or must give at least 24 hours' written notice at a reasonable time for inspections and repairs. In a genuine emergency they can enter without notice. Shared or communal gardens are different: the landlord or managing agent can usually access those.
| Reason for entry | Notice needed |
|---|---|
| Routine inspection | At least 24 hours' written notice, at a reasonable time |
| Repairs the landlord is responsible for | 24 hours' notice, or as the tenancy allows |
| Emergency (fire, flood, gas leak) | No notice |
| Gardening or maintenance included in the rent | As agreed in the tenancy |
| Shared or communal garden | Landlord or agent can usually access it |
Quiet enjoyment
Every tenant has the right to "quiet enjoyment", meaning to live in the property without unreasonable interference from the landlord. Repeated unannounced visits can breach the tenancy and, in serious cases, amount to harassment.
If your landlord keeps turning up
- Check your tenancy for entry and garden maintenance terms
- Ask in writing for notice before any visits
- Keep a log of dates and times
- Contact your council's private housing team if it continues
How Fraser Bond manages access properly
- Inspections arranged with notice at convenient times
- Clear tenancy terms on gardens and maintenance
- Garden care options for landlords
Related guides
- Can landlords limit how long tenants have guests?
- How long can a landlord leave you without electricity?
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