Policing.uk

Can police enter my house without a warrant?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Police have several statutory powers to enter premises without a warrant, including to arrest someone, to save life or limb, to prevent serious damage to property, and to deal with a breach of the peace. But routine entry requires a warrant.

The law

  • Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Section 17. Powers of entry without warrant: to arrest, to save life or limb, to prevent serious damage to property, and other specified purposes.
  • Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Sections 18 and 32. Entry to search premises after arrest (s.18) and entry to premises where arrest took place (s.32).
  • Criminal Law Act 1967, Section 3. Use of reasonable force in the prevention of crime or effecting an arrest.

What to do

  1. Ask the officer to identify themselves and state the legal power under which they wish to enter.
  2. If they cite PACE s.17, ask which subsection (arrest, save life, prevent damage, etc.).
  3. You are not obliged to open the door unless they have lawful grounds to enter.
  4. If officers enter without lawful authority, this may render any search or seizure unlawful.
  5. If you believe entry was unlawful, make a complaint to the IOPC or consult a solicitor about civil proceedings.

In detail

The general rule is that a person's home is private and police cannot enter without the occupier's consent or a warrant issued by a magistrate. However, there are significant exceptions set out in PACE 1984 and other statutes.

Under PACE s.17(1), a constable may enter and search premises without a warrant to: (a) execute a warrant of arrest; (b) arrest for an indictable offence; (c) arrest for certain specified offences including criminal damage, being found on enclosed premises (Vagrancy Act 1824), and offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006; (d) recapture a person unlawfully at large; (e) save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property.

The "save life or limb" power under s.17(1)(e) is the most commonly used. It allows officers to enter premises where they have reasonable cause to believe someone inside is at risk of injury or death. This is frequently used in welfare checks, domestic incidents, and where a missing person may be inside.

Under s.18 of PACE, after arresting someone for an indictable offence, police can enter and search premises occupied or controlled by the arrested person if they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that evidence of the offence (or a connected or similar offence) will be found there.

PACE s.32(2)(b) allows entry to the premises where a person was at the time of arrest, or immediately before arrest, to search for evidence.

Outside PACE, police also have powers of entry under: the Criminal Law Act 1967 s.3 (to prevent crime or effect a lawful arrest), the Mental Health Act 1983 s.135 (with a warrant, to remove a person believed to be suffering from mental disorder), and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 s.23(3) (with a warrant, to search for controlled drugs).

The common law power to enter premises to deal with or prevent a breach of the peace was confirmed in Thomas v Sawkins [1935]. This allows officers to enter private premises if they reasonably believe a breach of the peace is occurring or is imminent.

Force may be used to effect entry under any of these powers, but only if it is reasonable and necessary. Officers should normally announce themselves and their purpose before using force (PACE Code B, paragraph 6.6).

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Last updated 16 October 2026