I came home from work last week to find my landlord in the flat I am renting. He didn’t seem to have a proper reason for being there, but said he had every right to access the flat at any time to check it was being looked after. Is this right?
For reasons of both your own privacy and security your landlord is not entitled to access your rented premises without previous notice – unless it’s an emergency.
The reason he has given you is, therefore, totally inadequate and inappropriate as any request on the part of your landlord to inspect the state and condition of the premises must be made in advance so you can be present when he inspects.
It is also an extremely dangerous thing for your landlord to do as you could easily claim that, having accessed your property, items have been mislaid suggesting that he may have removed some of your personal belongings without your consent.
You should tell your landlord that such conduct will not be tolerated and that he is clearly in breach of his obligations under any tenancy agreement, or lease. Unauthorised access on the part of the landlord can have serious consequences.