Quiet Enjoyment

Quiet enjoyment is a core legal right of every residential tenant in England and Wales. It is an implied term in most tenancies, even if not written down, and means the tenant is entitled to occupy and use their home without unreasonable interference from the landlord or anyone acting for them.

Quiet enjoyment does not literally mean freedom from all noise. In law it is about freedom from significant interference with possession and use of the property, for example, the landlord entering without permission (except in genuine emergencies), turning up repeatedly without proper notice, cutting off services, harassing the tenant, or allowing serious nuisance they control.

Breaching quiet enjoyment can amount to harassment or contribute to an unlawful eviction claim. The Renters’ Rights Act strengthens enforcement by giving councils wider investigatory and penalty powers and by emphasising effective action against harassment and illegal eviction, which are key to protecting tenants’ quiet enjoyment in practice.

Tenants can seek help from the local council, an ombudsman or the courts if their right to quiet enjoyment is persistently ignored. Landlords, in turn, retain reasonable rights of inspection and repair, but these must be exercised with proper notice, respect for the tenant’s home and in line with current legislation.