Rights of Entry

[Tassotti]

As a landlord of an HMO (shared house), do I have legal right of entry into the common areas, regardless of whether or not there is an emergency?

I ask as I am in the process of evicting one of the tenants, and I want to go in and check that they have vacated the room.

Thanks in advance

Tass

[Mr Landlord]

Entering the common areas is one thing, entering the room is another. As a landlord you may enter the common areas i:e entrance and/or hallways at anytime, contractual areas are part of the tenancies and require notice. Therefore you should not enter the room until you have made the necessary prerequisites for doing so.

[Tassotti]

Thanks Mr Landlord

Would a shared lounge/ kitchen other shared areas be contractual areas? AST says letting a room (bedroom).

By 'necessary prerequisites', are you referring to the notice I have to give? Could I still be refused entry to the room? Does this qualify as an emergency?

Tass

[Mr Landlord]

I would say that lounges and kitchens do count as contractual areas, but then check the AST as it may state otherwwise. Prerequisites refers to written notice being served of a minimum 24 hours as is commonly known. In my opinion this does not count as an emergency.