Legal Harassment in Housing: Your Rights as a Renter in England

Understanding what counts as harassment in your home is crucial if you’re renting in England. The law sets out clear protections for tenants against harassment by landlords or their agents. If you feel threatened, pressured, or your landlord is interfering with your daily life, you have rights—and there are legal steps you can take to safeguard your home and well-being.

How Harassment Is Defined in Housing Law

In England, housing harassment is defined under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. It is any action by your landlord (or someone acting on their behalf) that deliberately makes you leave your home, or stops you from enjoying it peacefully and safely.

Common Examples of Harassment

• Threats of violence or intimidation
• Frequent unannounced visits, especially late at night
• Changing the locks without providing keys
• Removing your belongings
• Cutting off essential services like gas, electricity, or water
• Persistent demands for you to leave, including verbal or written threats
• Refusing to carry out necessary repairs or maintenance to pressure you into leaving

Harassment does not have to involve physical threats. It includes any actions that would cause a reasonable person to leave, or to feel unsafe or uncomfortable in their home.

Your Legal Protections

As a renter, the law protects you from harassment and unlawful eviction. It is a criminal offence for a landlord or their agent to harass you or try to force you out of your home without following the correct legal process. If you believe you are experiencing harassment, you can seek help from your local council, the police, or take your landlord to court.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• N11 Notice Seeking Possession – This is not a form for renters, but for landlords seeking possession. However, if you receive this notice or suspect it is being misused, check the details and seek advice. See more at GOV.UK
• Form N5B – Claim for Possession of Property – If you are taken to court for possession, you will receive this form. You should seek advice immediately and prepare your defence. Learn about Form N5B
• Template Complaint to Local Council (No official number) – If you are harassed, you can write to your local council’s housing department. Most council websites provide an online form or contact details. Report a criminal landlord.

If you feel unsafe, call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you’re in immediate danger.

Action Steps if You’re Experiencing Harassment

• Keep Records: Write down dates, times, and details of any incidents. Keep copies of texts, emails, or letters.
• Inform Your Local Council: Contact your council’s housing or tenancy relations officer. They can investigate and act against landlords who harass tenants. Use the report a criminal landlord tool.
• Seek Advice: Contact organisations such as Citizens Advice or Shelter for guidance.
• Consider Legal Action: If the harassment continues, you may be able to take your landlord to court for an injunction or damages. The County Court handles such claims.

Who Oversees Tenant Disputes?

The County Court is responsible for handling disputes related to harassment and unlawful eviction in England. Local councils also play a major role in enforcement through their private sector housing teams.

Main Tenancy Laws Protecting Renters from Harassment

• Protection from Eviction Act 1977
• Housing Act 1985
• Housing Act 1988

These laws set out when and how landlords may end a tenancy and protect tenants from harassment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered harassment by a landlord in England? Harassment can be any action by your landlord that makes it difficult or unpleasant for you to live in your home, including threats, shutting off utilities, or repeated unannounced visits.
2. Can I be evicted if I report my landlord for harassment? No. It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for reporting harassment. Only a court can order a lawful eviction.
3. How do I report harassment from my landlord? Contact your local council’s housing department. Use their online forms or helpline to report the issue. The council has legal powers to investigate and take action.
4. Is it harassment if my landlord refuses to do repairs? If your landlord refuses to carry out essential repairs in order to force you out, or makes life uncomfortable, this can be classed as harassment under the law.
5. Which body handles legal cases about housing harassment? The County Court deals with legal claims related to harassment or unlawful eviction in England. Councils can also act against criminal landlords.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Harassment in housing is illegal and clearly defined in English law.
• Keep detailed records and report issues to your council if you feel threatened or pressured.
• You can take legal steps—support and advice are available to help you protect your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• GOV.UK – Harassment and unlawful eviction
• Report a criminal landlord (GOV.UK)
• Citizens Advice – Tenant harassment and eviction help
• Shelter England – Harassment and illegal eviction
• Find your local County Court

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1. Protection from Eviction Act 1977, see the official text
2. GOV.UK, Harassment and unlawful eviction: the law
3. GOV.UK, How to report a criminal landlord or agent
4. County Courts information, find official details here
5. Citizens Advice, guidance page on harassment

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