Private renting for tenants: evictions in England
Harassment and illegal evictions
It is a crime for your landlord to harass you or try to remove you from a property without following the correct process. If your landlord does not follow the rules you may have the right to:
- be let back into your home
- claim compensation
- apply for a rent repayment order
Local councils can prosecute landlords or give a fine of up to £40,000 if they harass or illegally evict someone.
Contact the police if physical violence or threats are involved or if someone is trying to remove you or your belongings from the property without either a:
- court order
- court appointed bailiff
Illegal eviction is a criminal offence. The police can prevent you from being illegally evicted from your home.
It can be harassment if your landlord does something (or does not do something), that they would reasonably believe may:
- make you feel unsafe in your home
- force you to leave your home
For example, it could be harassment if your landlord does not give you enough keys for the property.
Harassment
Harassment can include:
- stopping services, like electricity
- withholding keys, for example there are 2 tenants in a property, but the landlord will only give 1 key
- refusing to carry out repairs that are the landlord’s responsibilities
- antisocial behaviour by someone on the landlord’s behalf, for example a friend of the landlord moves in next door and causes problems
- threats and physical violence
- threatening to change the locks
- opening or taking post
- stopping access to temperature control
Illegal eviction and tenants’ rights
Your landlord must follow the correct procedure if they want to evict you.
Your landlord may be guilty of illegal eviction if you:
- are not given the notice to leave the property that your landlord must give you
- find the locks have been changed
- are evicted without a court order
Even if your landlord’s property is repossessed by their mortgage lender, the lender must give you notice so you can find other accommodation.
Citizens Advice has information on repossession by your landlord’s mortgage lender.
What you can do
Contact the police if physical violence or threats are involved or if someone is trying to remove you or your belongings from the property without either a:
- court order
- court appointed bailiff
The police can prevent you from being illegally evicted from your home.
Talk to your local council if:
- you think you’re being harassed or threatened with illegal eviction
- the property you rent is being repossessed
- you think you’ve been illegally evicted
It may have someone specialising in tenant harassment issues.
Local councils can take legal action if they think there is enough evidence of harassment or illegal eviction.
You may have the right to be let back into your home, claim compensation, or apply for a rent repayment order.
You could also contact:
Your local area may also have other housing or legal advice organisations - your local council, phonebook or library should have details.