There are times when the property may have to be entered as a matter of urgency. Statutory bodies are able to do this in appropriate circumstances.
• Gas: contact the National Grid emergency number 0800 111 999;
• Water: sewer and/or flooding - contact the utility company responsible for water in the area if closing the stopcock is ineffective;
• Suspicious circumstances relating to criminal activity: liaise with the police.
Landlords who enter without the consent of the tenant or against their wishes must be able to demonstrate, if challenged, that it was reasonable to enter under the circumstances. If there was any on-going dispute between the parties a landlord should be very careful about securing a forced entry.