Dealing with Harassment in Shared Housing: Your Rights

Living with others in shared housing or HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in England can be rewarding, but sometimes conflicts arise—especially when harassment is involved. Understanding your legal rights and the steps you can take is the first step towards a safe, supportive home environment. Here, we’ll guide you through recognising harassment, your protections as a renter, and the official processes for addressing shared housing issues.

What Counts as Harassment in Shared Housing?

Harassment in rented accommodation can be carried out by a landlord, agent, or even another housemate. It includes any act intended to make you leave your home or stop you exercising your rights as a renter. Harassment is prohibited by law in England under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977¹ and the Housing Act 1988².

• Repeated unwanted visits, texts, or calls
• Threatening or abusive behaviour
• Withdrawal of essential services (like electricity or water)
• Entering your room without consent (if you have exclusive use)

If you’re unsure, read more about harassment and illegal eviction on the official government site.

Your Legal Rights Against Harassment

UK legislation protects you whether you rent a whole property, share a flat, or are a lodger. Harassment and illegal eviction by a landlord or agent is a criminal offence. You have the right to:

• Safe, undisturbed enjoyment of your home
• Access to legal remedies via your local council or the courts
• Protection under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977¹
• Report harassment and seek enforcement by your local authority’s Private Sector Housing (PSH) team

Who Handles Disputes?

If you need to take formal action, England’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) hears many tenancy-related disputes, including those about housing conditions, HMO licensing, and occasionally disputes involving harassment³.

Immediate Steps to Take if You're Being Harassed

• Keep a record: Log each incident with dates, times, and details. Keep texts, emails, or witness statements.
• Contact your landlord or letting agent: If the harassment is from a housemate, your landlord or agent should act to protect your tenancy rights.
• Contact your local council: The PSH or environmental health team must investigate harassment complaints.
• Report serious or ongoing issues to the council. Use their web form or phone service.
• Call the police on 101 (or 999 in emergencies) if you feel unsafe or if criminal behaviour occurs.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application for a Rent Repayment Order (Form RRO1): Use if your landlord has illegally evicted you or harassed you. This can allow you to reclaim up to 12 months’ rent via the tribunal.
  Download Form RRO1 and guidance.
  Example: If your landlord changes the locks without going through official eviction channels, submit Form RRO1 to the First-tier Tribunal.
• County Court Civil Claim (Form N1): If you seek damages (compensation), use Form N1 Claim Form to pursue your case in county court.
  Example: Claiming for losses or distress caused by harassment, such as needing to move or loss of belongings.

These forms are only necessary if informal and local council remedies do not resolve the issue. Always seek advice first.

Working with the Council to Resolve Harassment

Your local council has a legal duty to act if you report that your landlord is harassing you. You can:

• Use the council’s online complaints form or dedicated housing email to report harassment
• Ask for an investigation under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977
• Request support from environmental health if your safety or health is at risk

Councils can prosecute landlords or issue civil penalties for harassment and illegal eviction.

Taking Legal Action

Legal remedies can be taken whether harassment is by a landlord or another household member with the landlord’s knowledge. Keep all evidence and communications, and speak to your local authority or a free advice service. Renters can use the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for Rent Repayment Orders and some shared house disputes, or the county court for damages.

If you are considering going to court or a tribunal, it’s a good idea to get legal advice or support from council services first.

FAQ: Harassment in Shared Housing

1. What is considered harassment in shared accommodation?
   Harassment can include threats, repeated unwanted contact, interfering with your belongings, or trying to force you out without proper legal process.
2. Can the council help if my landlord or housemate is harassing me?
   Yes, you can report harassment to your local council’s housing or environmental health team. They have the authority to investigate and take enforcement action.
3. What tribunal deals with shared housing harassment in England?
   The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) handles rent repayment and certain tenant disputes, including some harassment cases.
4. What legal protections cover me against harassment?
   Your rights are covered under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and Housing Act 1988 as a renter in England.
5. Which official forms are relevant for making a complaint about harassment?
   You may use the Rent Repayment Order Form (RRO1) or, in some cases, the County Court Claim Form (N1) if pursuing damages.

Key Takeaways

• Keep a record and report harassment immediately to your landlord, agent, and council
• Use official complaint routes and forms if informal solutions fail
• Legislation strongly protects your right to quiet enjoyment of your rented home in England

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Government guide: Harassment and illegal eviction
• Find your local council’s housing team
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - for rent and housing disputes
• Police (non-emergency): 101 or contact online
• Citizens Advice: Harassment and illegal eviction

1. Protection from Eviction Act 1977
2. Housing Act 1988
3. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)