Front Door Checklist for Visits

1. General Rules

• Stay calm, keep the door on the chain, and record audio/video if safe and lawful to do so.
• You are not obliged to open the door fully or let anyone inside unless the law requires it.
• Ask the visitor to state clearly: who they are, which organisation, and why they are here.

2. TV Licensing or Civil Enforcement Without a Warrant

• Ask: "Are you here with a court search warrant? Yes or no?"
• If no warrant: you do not have to let them in. You may say:
  • "I do not grant consent to enter my property."
  • "Please leave now. Any further contact must be in writing."
• TV Licensing visiting officers have no right of entry without a magistrates' search warrant.¹
• Close the door if they refuse to leave. Do not argue on the doorstep.

¹ See Communications Act 2003, s.366 and TV Licensing policy statements.

3. Police Without a Warrant

• Ask: "Do you have a warrant or other legal power to enter? If so, which power?"
• If they say they just want to "talk" or "check something", you may reply:
  • "I do not consent to entry. If you have questions, please put them in writing."
• Police normally need consent, a warrant, or a specific statutory/common-law power (for example to arrest, prevent crime, or save life) to enter a home.²
• If they claim an emergency power (for example, to save life), do not physically obstruct them, but make a note of what they say and time/date.

² See Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and Code B.

4. Police With a Warrant

• Ask to see the warrant: "Please show the warrant and leave it where I can read it."
• Check:
  • Your address is correct.
  • The warrant is signed and dated.
  • What offence or purpose it states.
  • Any limits (for example, one entry only, time of day).
• If the details look wrong, calmly say: "I believe this warrant is defective, but I will not obstruct you. I will take legal advice."
• You have a right to a copy of the warrant "as soon as practicable". Ask for a copy before they leave.³

³ See PACE 1984, s.16 and Code B.

5. Devices, Computers and Passwords

• A TV-licensing search warrant under the Communications Act 2003 allows entry and search for TV receiving equipment, but does not by itself compel you to reveal computer or device passwords.
• If asked to unlock a device, you may say:
  • "Under which law are you requiring me to provide a password or decrypt data?"
• Compulsion to disclose decryption keys or passwords is usually by a separate written notice under Part III of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (a "section 49 notice"), used mainly in serious investigations.
• Do not lie about passwords. If in doubt, state that you wish to take legal advice before answering questions about access to devices.

6. After the Visit

• Write down:
  • Date and time of visit.
  • Names or badge numbers (if known).
  • What was said and done.
• Keep any documents or warrant given to you.
• Consider seeking legal advice if you are unsure about what happened.