Landlord Harassment in England: Your Rights as a Renter

If you rent in England and feel your landlord is threatening, intimidating, or interfering with your right to enjoy your home, it's important to understand your rights and what actions you can take. Landlord harassment is unlawful under English law, and legal protections are in place to ensure you feel safe in your home. This article explains what counts as harassment, what you can do, and where to get official support, so you feel confident protecting your rights as a tenant.

What Is Landlord Harassment?

In England, landlord harassment includes any action by your landlord (or someone acting for them) designed to make you leave your home or give up rights you hold as a tenant. These actions could include:

• Entering your home without proper notice
• Threats or aggressive behaviour
• Cutting off gas, electricity, or water
• Refusing to carry out essential repairs
• Repeatedly visiting or contacting you without a valid reason

Harassment is taken very seriously under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977^[1] and related housing laws. Both tenants and those with basic occupancy rights are protected, whether you have a written tenancy agreement or not.

Your Legal Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant in England, you are entitled to:

• Live in your home undisturbed
• Be given 24 hours’ written notice before your landlord enters (except in emergencies)
• Reasonable enjoyment of your property
• Protection from unfair eviction and harassment

Any attempt by a landlord to pressure you into leaving your home — without following the correct legal process — is likely to be unlawful. For more details on your rights, visit GOV.UK’s private renting guide.

Examples of Harassment

• Your landlord repeatedly turns up unannounced late at night
• You're threatened with eviction if you report a repair issue
• Essential services are deliberately disconnected

Harassment can be subtle or obvious, but the key factor is that it makes you feel unsafe or pressured.

What Can You Do If You’re Being Harassed?

There are several practical steps you can take to address landlord harassment:

• Keep a detailed diary of incidents: Write down dates, times, and what happened
• Save messages or letters from your landlord
• Let your landlord know in writing (email or letter) that their behaviour is making you feel uncomfortable and ask them to stop
• Contact your local council’s housing department for help — they can investigate harassment and illegal eviction
• If you feel threatened or unsafe, call the police (especially if you’re physically threatened or locked out)

For long-term protection, consider seeking advice or making a formal complaint (see below for forms and how to do this).

Relevant Forms and Tribunals

1. Council Complaint or Illegal Eviction Report

• What is it? Your local council’s housing team can take action if a landlord is harassing you or tries to evict you unlawfully.
• When to use: If your landlord is behaving in a threatening or unlawful way, you can formally report this. Councils have enforcement powers under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
• How to use: Find your local council’s contact and online reporting options at Find your local council. Use their website to report "private landlord harassment or illegal eviction." For example, the City of London Council offers specific forms on their housing department page.

2. County Court Form N16A: Injunction Application

• Name/Number: Form N16A (Application for Injunction)
• When to use: If your landlord continues to harass you or threatens to illegally evict you, you can apply to the County Court for an injunction. This is a court order telling your landlord to stop their behaviour.
• How to use: Download Form N16A (injunction application). Fill it in with details of the harassment, stating what you want the court to order (for example, "The landlord must not visit me except with 24 hours written notice"). Submit completed forms to your nearest County Court.

3. Civil Claim for Damages

• What is it? You may be able to claim compensation through the County Court if you have suffered loss or distress due to harassment or illegal eviction.
• How to use: Use the Money Claim Online service if you're seeking financial compensation. This typically uses the County Court process.

Residential tenancy disputes (such as illegal eviction and harassment) are primarily handled by the County Court in England. Housing Disrepair claims may also be supported by your local council or, in some cases, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber): First-tier Tribunal: Property Chamber.

Which Laws Protect You?

• Protection from Eviction Act 1977 – makes harassment and illegal eviction a criminal offence
• Housing Act 1988 – sets key rights for tenants in England, including eviction rules and notice periods

These laws ensure you have a right to quiet enjoyment and protect you from forced or unlawful eviction. For further reading, see Government guidance on harassment and illegal eviction.

Steps to Report or Challenge Harassment

If you decide to take formal action:

• Contact your local council (housing department) for investigation
• Gather all your evidence — diaries, messages, witnesses, and photos
• Submit a council complaint or use County Court Form N16A for an injunction
• Keep written communication with your landlord where possible
• Seek legal or advocacy support, especially if threats escalate

Taking these steps can make it more likely your case will be taken seriously and resolved quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord keeps entering my home without permission?
   Politely remind them in writing that at least 24 hours’ notice (in writing) is required except in emergencies. If the problem continues, keep a record and report it to your local council’s private housing team.
2. Can my landlord evict me on the spot if I complain about repairs?
   No, your landlord must follow the correct legal process to evict you. Harassing or threatening eviction because you ask for repairs is unlawful.
3. What evidence should I keep if I’m experiencing harassment?
   Keep a detailed diary of incidents, keep copies of texts, emails, and letters, and take photographs if there is physical evidence.
4. Who can help me if I feel threatened by my landlord?
   Your local council’s housing department can intervene, and in urgent cases you should also contact the police.
5. Is there an official form to stop harassment quickly?
   Yes, you can use County Court Form N16A to apply for an injunction that legally orders your landlord to stop the harassment.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlord harassment is illegal in England — you have the right to peaceful enjoyment of your home
• Keep detailed records of any incidents and seek help promptly from your local council
• If necessary, you can use court forms to apply for legal protection

Remember, you are protected by robust laws. Taking action early can help prevent situations from escalating.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• GOV.UK: Harassment and illegal eviction
• Find your local council for support from the housing department
• County Court guidance for pursuing injunctions and compensation
• Free, confidential support is also available from Shelter England
• For legal advice, check Citizens Advice

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1. Protection from Eviction Act 1977
2. Housing Act 1988

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