Can a landlord just let himself in or does he have to knock?

[nutherfing]

DS (19) is in a student flatshare. His contract lasts until the end of August, but his landlord has told them he is getting it valued. The valuer will come between 8.30-10am, and the landlord will arrive "a bit before" 8.30, presumably to check it is clean and tidy. Can he just let himself in, with his own key, or does he have to knock?

He's a bit of a character, and has been a bit hostile over Whatsapp, so they're understandably nervous about it.

he needs to give notice of when he will come and they have a right to 'quiet enjoyment' of their home - google that phrase and see what the rules are for landlords.

It's their home which they rent, no way should the landlord let himself in.

Knock & wait. As any guest would do.
Minimum of 24 hours notice.

Yes he can unfortunately. I had the same living in a flatshare. He can come in and into the communal areas if he wants to but not access any of the bedrooms that are rented. .

The giving notice l think applies when you are the sole renter not when it's a flat/house share.

Our landlord gives us notice by either a letter or email that states the time and date they'll be coming and says if no one will be home then they will let themselves in and any pets we have should be contained. We usual arrange for one of us to be home anyway otherwise our dog won't settle after they leave but even without us replying to say we'll be home they've always knocked to check we're home first.

My FIL is a landlord of a student houseshare. He always gives advance notice before visiting. He'd only come without notice in an emergency. He always knocks and only lets himself in if the tenants have asked him to if they're not going to be in.

Don't know if FIL does more than he legally has to but he likes to treat his tenants with consideration.

if I was the OP's son, I'd message the landlord asking him to knock first. Tell him they don't want him to let himself in without knocking in case someone's on the loo.

Tell them to put the key in the door inside so LLs doesnt turn from outside!

No, they have rights.

The uni will give advice, speak to the students' union or the accomodation team.