What should the landlord do if the tenant refuses to grant access for inspections?
1/English and Welsh law English and Welsh law If this happens landlord should try to talk to the tenant to find out what the problem is. He should explain that the inspections are for the tenant’s benefit to check the condition of the property so any necessary repairs can be done, or to carry out the annual gas check. If the tenant still refuses to allow the landlord access, the landlord will have to abide by this. It is important that the landlord does not just use his keys to gain access when the tenant is out. This will be deemed harassment and is a criminal offence. So far as the gas regulations are concerned, non compliance with these is normally a criminal offence, however the landlord will not be prosecuted if he has made reasonable attempts to get the annual check done. To protect his position though, it is a good idea for the landlord to contact the local Health and Safety Executive (who police the regulations) and inform them of the situation.
