EAQE Leasing and tenancy question: sitting domestic tenant out early

EAA EAQELeasing and tenancy

A landlord wants a sitting domestic tenant out early. While she is overseas, he changes the locks and cuts the water supply. Which statement is correct?

A This breaches the covenant for quiet enjoyment and may be a criminal offence
B This is lawful self-help if the rent is one day late
C This is lawful if the landlord gives seven days' written notice to the tenant first
D This is a matter only for the building manager to resolve

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A. This breaches the covenant for quiet enjoyment and may be a criminal offence

Answer: It breaches the covenant for quiet enjoyment and may be a criminal offence. Why not the others: - Lawful self-help for late rent: A landlord must use the Lands Tribunal or courts to recover possession. - Lawful with seven days' notice: Notice does not justify unlawful eviction. - Only for the building manager: This is a landlord and tenant matter and potentially criminal. Rule: The implied covenant for quiet enjoyment protects the tenant from eviction and interference; under Cap. 7, acts calculated to interfere with a tenant's peace or comfort and likely to make the tenant give up occupation are offences, punishable for a first conviction by a fine of HK$500,000 and 12 months' imprisonment. Source: Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap. 7), Part IV (harassment offences); RVD Summary Guide; as at Oct 2026

Common mistake

Believing a landlord may lock out a defaulting tenant without a court order.

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An original question written to the published EAQE syllabus. Figures in the explanation carry their effective dates; check them against the current law before relying on them. Independent exam practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) or the examination administrator.

EAQE Leasing and tenancy question: sitting domestic tenant out early

EAA EAQELeasing and tenancy

A landlord wants a sitting domestic tenant out early. While she is overseas, he changes the locks and cuts the water supply. Which statement is correct?

A This breaches the covenant for quiet enjoyment and may be a criminal offence
B This is lawful self-help if the rent is one day late
C This is lawful if the landlord gives seven days' written notice to the tenant first
D This is a matter only for the building manager to resolve

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A. This breaches the covenant for quiet enjoyment and may be a criminal offence

Common mistake

Believing a landlord may lock out a defaulting tenant without a court order.

Practise more EAQE Leasing and tenancy questions

Exam-style questions with worked answers, then full timed mocks. Free to start.

Start practising →

Build a daily practice habit : a few exam-style questions a day, with worked answers. Free to start.

Start practising →