Is your tenant refusing to allow you access?

We regularly hear from members on our advice helpline whose tenants are refusing them or their workmen access to carry out maintenance inspections, repairs and safety certification. In these cases we recommend that landlords use the First-tier Tribunal’s Right of Entry procedure.

This involves firstly sending the tenant a firmly worded letter requesting access at a specific date and time. If access is still not provided then the landlord can apply to the tribunal for assistance. The tribunal will take over negotiations with the tenant and if these are unsuccessful the tribunal can apply to the local sheriff court for a warrant to gain entry. There is no charge to landlords for using this procedure. You can find out more and access the template letter and application form on the tribunal’s website here.

SAL members have access to unlimited advice via the SAL helpline.

Not yet a member? Please join us for individual advice on gaining access or any other letting problems you may have.