Landlord harassment and threats of illegal eviction
Harassment is anything your landlord (or family member or friend of your landlord) does to deliberately cause problems in your home or even to make you leave your home. This is a criminal offence and must be reported.
This might include:
- Refusing to carry out repairs
- Entering your home without your permission or without notice, or at unsocial hours
- Cutting off your utility services
- Violence or the threat of violence, or harassment because of a protected characteristic such as your race, gender, or sexuality
- Intercepting your mail
If you think you are being harassed, keep a record of what has happened, including dates and evidence if possible. GOV.UK has more information on private renting evictions.
It is also considered harassment if you landlord is trying to make you leave your home illegally, such as by changing locks or if you are evicted without notice. Your landlord should always follow the legal process to end your tenancy. You can find out more on Shelter's website on how to deal with illegal evictions.