My landlord has given his plumber a key to the flat I am renting so he can carry out some modernisation work. Is he allowed to do this without asking me?
The landlord is not allowed to gain access to your flat, or allow others to access the flat, without giving you advanced notice in writing and, ideally, giving you the opportunity to be present. The only exception to this rule is in the event of a genuine emergency when it is commonsense that access is gained in the interests of others.
The landlord should agree a time and a date with you for this visit by the plumber to give you the chance to make arrangements to be there. Failure to do this will amount to a serious breach of the Landlords’ Covenant.