The situation: A tenant discovers the landlord let himself in with his key 'to check' while she was out, and did it again, leaving her feeling her privacy was violated.
Applicable law: Under a lease the right to use and possess passes to the tenant for the term, so the tenant may enjoy the home quietly and undisturbed. The landlord may enter only with the tenant's consent or in a reasonable emergency (a serious leak, say); inspection should be arranged in the contract with advance notice. Arbitrary entry can breach privacy and the contract.
Outcome: The tenant demanded advance notice and reached a settlement guaranteeing no entry without permission.
🏠 Housing & rent · Awareness case
The Landlord Can't Enter Your Flat Whenever He Likes · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 民法典（租赁合同）/ Civil Code (Lease Contract)
Does a landlord have the right to enter a rented flat without your consent?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: A lease gives you the right to quiet possession. Require advance notice for any inspection in the contract, and change the lock if needed.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026