In general, the police have no right to come into your home without your permission. If they ask to come in and you say no, they must leave, unless they have a specific legal power to enter.

When they can come in without your permission

The main powers are in section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the common law. Officers can enter without a warrant:

  • To arrest someone for an indictable offence, if they reasonably believe that person is inside.
  • To execute an arrest warrant or a warrant of commitment.
  • To save life or limb, or to prevent serious damage to property.
  • To recapture someone who has escaped from lawful custody.
  • To deal with or prevent a breach of the peace, for example a violent disturbance they can hear from outside.
  • In close pursuit of someone they reasonably believe has committed, or attempted, an indictable offence.
  • After an arrest, to search the arrested person's premises (section 18, authorised by an inspector) or the premises where they were arrested (section 32).
  • Under various other statutes that give specific entry powers, for example to check on children at risk or under licensing law.

They can also enter with a search warrant, most commonly a section 8 PACE warrant, or a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant. They do not have to show the warrant before entering if that would allow someone to escape or evidence to be destroyed, but they must show it and give you a copy as soon as practicable.

A knock at the door

If officers knock and want to "have a word", you can speak to them on the doorstep or through the door. You can ask:

  • Why they are there.
  • Whether they have a warrant, and to see it.
  • Which legal power they are relying on if they say they are coming in anyway.

If they have no power and no warrant, you can politely decline to let them in. Refusing entry is not an offence and is not, on its own, grounds for suspicion. If they claim a power, do not physically resist: obstructing an officer acting lawfully is an offence, and the place to challenge an unlawful entry is a complaint or a claim afterwards, not the hallway.

Consent

If you do let officers in, that is consent, and anything they see in plain view can be seized if it is evidence. Consent to a search should be recorded in writing, and you can limit or withdraw it. A landlord cannot consent to a search of a tenant's home; a housemate can only consent to shared areas and their own room.

If they come in anyway

Stay calm, do not obstruct, and note the time, the officers' names or numbers and what they said their power was. Ask for a Notice of Powers and Rights. You are entitled to film. Afterwards, if you believe the entry was unlawful, see our guide to police raids for how to complain and claim.

This is general information for England and Wales, not legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged, speak to a solicitor: advice at the police station is free for everyone.