If your landlord is entering your home without permission, making threats, cutting essential services, or otherwise making life intolerable, you can ask a court to stop the behaviour. This guide explains in plain language what tenants and renters in England should do to gather evidence, which official forms may be needed, where to apply, and realistic timescales. It gives practical, step-by-step actions you can take right now — keeping records, getting witness statements and applying to the correct court or tribunal — so you can protect your safety, privacy and housing rights without legal jargon.
What counts as landlord harassment in England
Harassment by a landlord can include threats, repeated unlawful entry, deliberately cutting services (heat, water, electricity), or any behaviour intended to make you leave. Relevant law and tenancy protections are set out in statute and case law; tenants should note the statutory frameworks including the Housing Act 1988[2] and the Rent Act 1977[3]. If harassment threatens safety or amounts to unlawful eviction, you can seek urgent court protection.
Who deals with tenancy disputes and injunctions
Most civil injunction applications are handled by the county court; some housing-related orders and disputes about tenancy terms may be considered by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). For tenancy-specific remedy and some property disputes, contact the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for guidance on jurisdiction and types of orders available: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[1].
Immediate actions tenants should take
- Keep a dated incident log with short notes of each event and time.
- Take and securely store photos, screenshots and recordings of threats or cut services.
- Tell a trusted neighbour or witness what happened and ask them to write a short statement if they saw or heard incidents.
- Send any complaints or requests to your landlord in writing (email or recorded delivery) and keep copies.
Official forms you may need and when to use them
The exact paperwork depends on whether you start new court proceedings or apply within existing proceedings. Common forms used in English civil courts include the Claim Form (N1) and the Application Notice (N244). Below are practical notes and tenant-focused examples.
- Claim form N1 — used to start a new claim in the county court. Example: you start a court case asking for an injunction because repeated unlawful entries continue despite written complaints.[4]
- Application notice N244 — used to ask the court for specific orders during ongoing proceedings (for example, to convert an existing claim into an interim injunction hearing). Example: you already have a possession or deposit dispute case and need an urgent order to stop harassment while that case continues.[5]
How to prepare strong evidence
- Create a single, dated timeline of incidents with supporting photos and copies of messages.
- Collect witness statements from neighbours or anyone who saw events and get them to sign and date their statement.
- Keep copies of all written communication with your landlord — emails, letters and any repair or complaint forms.
Applying to the court for an injunction
In England, an injunction is a court order that requires someone to stop doing something or to do something. To apply you normally file a claim to the county court, include witness statements and evidence, and ask for an interim (fast) hearing if behaviour is urgent. If proceedings are already started, ask the court to list a hearing and use an N244 application to request a protective order. If you are unsure which court to use, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can advise on tenancy-specific remedies and whether a tribunal route is appropriate.[1]
What to expect at a hearing
- Hearings can be in person or remote; the judge or district judge will review evidence and hear witness statements.
- Interim hearings for urgent matters can be listed quickly, but routine hearings may take weeks.
- If the court grants an injunction, breaching it can lead to fines, enforcement or committal proceedings against the landlord.
FAQ
- Can a tenant apply for an injunction against their landlord?
- Yes. A tenant can apply to the county court for an injunction to stop harassment or unlawful eviction; in some tenancy matters the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) may be the correct forum.
- How long does it take to get an injunction?
- Timescales vary. An urgent interim hearing may be listed within days or weeks; a full hearing can take longer depending on court availability and case complexity.
- Will applying for an injunction affect my tenancy?
- Applying for an injunction does not automatically end a tenancy. Courts balance protection with tenancy rights; always keep paying rent and follow tenancy conditions unless you have separate legal advice instructing otherwise.
How-To
- Write a clear timeline of incidents and gather photos, messages and receipts.
- Get witness statements from neighbours or visitors and ask them to date and sign their notes.
- Contact your landlord in writing asking them to stop the behaviour and keep a copy of the communication.
- File a claim or an application to the county court (use N1 to start a claim or N244 to seek an order in ongoing proceedings) and attach witness statements.
- Attend the hearing with originals of all evidence and be ready to give a short, factual account of events.
- If the matter is tenancy-specific, consider asking the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) whether its process is more suitable.
Key Takeaways
- Document every incident and keep copies of communications and receipts.
- Use the correct forms and court route for your situation to avoid delays.
- Seek help from official bodies early and attend any hearings with original evidence.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
- Find a court or tribunal - GOV.UK
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service - GOV.UK
