I have the keys to all my properties The tenants are ok with this but I meet face to face when I need to access . Also if they lock themselves out guess who they come to ,to let them in?
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Final thoughts before I let this rest…
I’m the original poster. I definitely got some great advice here - thank you - and also a bit of illumination that there are such differing views on what is acceptable access practice. There isn’t a universal standard. I totally thought my standard was the universal standard 
If I rent again I’ll make sure I know what the Managing Agent’s practice / expectations are and not assume they’re the same as mine.
This instance was lawful (amazingly), but poor practice.
I was actually frightened - I was just so shocked because I was already in the house before I realised and I work in a really rough school so there’s quite a lot of adrenaline sloshing about in me after work already.
Credit to the handyman for not aggravating the situation by leaving quickly.
I wish I had got a human apology from the Managing Agent, but thank you for the humanising advice here. It’s lovely that so many LL go beyond legal requirements to make their tenants comfortable. That is an EXCELLENT takeaway.
…I’m dreading emailing them because something went wrong with the house yesterday that will need fixing!! 
Over and out.
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I really take this seriously. I have PTSD due to the attack by a tenant above me who attacked me when I went to a properly scheduled appointment written 10 days in advance & reminded 3 days before, and his landlord is the one who gave the notice to him. I was given copies of all the correspondence.(I am a freehold partner of the building & he is the tenant of another freehold partner) On the day the tenant decided to beat me up because as he started to slam the door, I put my hand on the door to stop it. He was charged (as stated previously) but CPS decided he had the right to say no to anyone coming in whether scheduled or not. And no matter tgat we had given plenty of notice.
LL’s beware of this.
Anyway arriving to my home where I expect “quiet enjoyment” privacy etc and do not expect a man ti be in my property sent by the LL would cause serious mental health issues for me because of the PTSD & could also trigger major heart event. Aside from that, they have no right. But there are a few LLs on here that seem ti think it’s no big deal & they need to know it’s is. It’s WRONG. It’s illegal.
Hiya, very sorry you have been through this!! I just want to say it is not legal for them to do this. I’ve experienced a case myself that went to court.
A landlord can enter the property without express consent for inspection. They should not enter if expressly forbidden. The two things are different.
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Thats a very sensible and balanced approach. I hope you get a better landlord/agent next time.
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Here lies the rub.
Although it was contractually legal, it certainly was not acceptable for a non-essential issue. There are no excuses for an agent or landlord that does not ensure access is properly arranged with the tenants’ knowledge and actual consent, unless it is unequivocally an emergency issue where immediate access is absolutely necessary.
I do feel however, your reaction to the tradesman was a bit unnecessary as it was not his fault and had already spent time attending. Where was the harm in allowing him to complete his task under your supervision?
A bit more context would also be helpful as to the nature of the works and, I presume, at your request.
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