Understand your housing rights whether you rent, own, or face homelessness

No. Except in a genuine emergency, your landlord must give you at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property, and visits should be at a reasonable time of day. Entering without notice or consent is likely to be a breach of your right to quiet enjoyment and could constitute harassment.

Landlords can only deduct for damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning if the property was left dirtier than when you moved in, unpaid rent, or other specific breaches of your tenancy agreement. They cannot charge for general wear to carpets and paintwork caused by normal use. You can dispute deductions through your deposit protection scheme's free adjudication service.

No. A Section 21 notice is not an eviction order — it is the start of a legal process. You are entitled to stay in the property until the notice period expires (at least two months) and even then your landlord must apply to court for a possession order and then instruct bailiffs. Never leave a property voluntarily before a court order if you have children or need help with rehousing, as this can affect your homelessness application.

If your landlord failed to protect your deposit within 30 days of receiving it, you can apply to court for an order requiring them to return the deposit and pay you a penalty of between one and three times the deposit amount. You can bring this claim up to three months after your tenancy ends.

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days, and you pass the local connection and priority need tests, the council has a legal duty to secure housing for you. Priority need includes families with dependent children, pregnant women, people leaving care, and people who are vulnerable due to disability or a serious health condition. If you are homeless tonight, contact your local council's emergency housing line immediately.