Legal Options for Renters Facing Harassment in England

If you’re renting in England and experiencing harassment—such as repeated threats, intimidation, or ongoing uninvited visits from your landlord—it’s important to know that the law protects you. Landlord harassment is illegal, and renters can take legal steps to stop it and seek redress. This guide explains your rights, practical actions you can take, official forms to use, and where to seek support, all specific to the current law in England.

Understanding Harassment and Your Tenancy Rights

Harassment occurs when a landlord or their agent acts deliberately to make you leave your home or makes your living conditions unbearable. This is prohibited under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the Housing Act 1988.^[1][2] Examples of harassment might include:

• Entering your home without notice or consent (except in emergencies)
• Cutting off your utilities without reason
• Threatening eviction without proper legal process
• Persistent threats, intimidation, or abuse
• Refusing to carry out legally required repairs to force you out

Your landlord must always follow the legal process for eviction and must respect your right to quiet enjoyment of your home.

What You Can Do If You’re Experiencing Harassment

There are clear steps you can take when facing landlord harassment. It’s helpful to keep a record of all incidents (including dates, times, and details), as this could be important evidence if you decide to take legal action.

1. Communicate and Keep Records

• Politely request that the harassment cease (ideally in writing).
• Document all incidents—keep logs, save text messages, emails, and take photos if appropriate.

2. Contact Your Local Council

Your local council’s housing department can investigate claims of harassment. They have a duty to act under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, Section 6.^[1]

• Use the council’s housing service to report your concerns.
• Council officers can warn or prosecute landlords if necessary.

3. Apply to the Courts for Protection or Damages

If informal action does not resolve the problem, you can make a claim through the county court for an injunction (to make the harassment stop) or for compensation.

• Form N1 – Claim Form:
  Form N1 (Claim Form) is used if you want to claim for damages or seek an order against your landlord. Complete the form describing the harassment and attach copies of evidence.
  Example: If your landlord repeatedly visits late at night without notice and you have kept a diary of incidents, you can list these and request the court orders the visits to stop.
• Form N16A – Application for Injunction:
  Form N16A (Application for Injunction) is used to ask the court for an injunction to stop the harassment.
  Example: If you have evidence your landlord is threatening to disconnect utilities, use this form to request the court orders them to stop.

For court claims, guidance is available from the County Court website. There are fees for submitting claims, but you may be eligible for help with costs if you’re on a low income. You can find out about this on the Get help with court fees page.

If you feel at immediate risk, contact the police. Harassment can sometimes be a criminal offence.

Which Tribunal or Board Handles Housing Disputes?

In England, harassment disputes are dealt with by the County Courts. There is currently no specialist residential housing tribunal for harassment cases—these must go through the court system.^[3]

Relevant Legislation Protecting Tenants

• Protection from Eviction Act 1977
• Housing Act 1988

These acts outline your rights as a tenant and what landlords are legally prohibited from doing.

FAQ: Dealing with Harassment from a Landlord in England

1. What qualifies as landlord harassment?
   Harassment includes any acts by a landlord or their agent intended to force you to leave your home, interfere with your peace, or make living conditions difficult—such as threats, illegal entry, cutting off services, or verbal abuse.
2. Can I claim compensation for harassment?
   Yes. You can claim compensation for financial loss or distress suffered due to harassment by submitting a claim using Form N1 to the County Court.
3. Is my tenancy protected even if I owe rent?
   Yes, tenancy laws apply even if you are behind on rent. Your landlord must still follow proper legal processes and cannot harass or illegally evict you.
4. Who should I contact first if I feel harassed?
   You can contact your local council’s housing department for advice and enforcement. If you feel at risk, contact the police. You may also seek legal advice or contact shelter organisations for additional support.

Conclusion: What Renters Should Remember

• Landlord harassment is illegal under English law. You have the right to live free from intimidation or forced eviction.
• Keep a record of all incidents and seek help early from your council or the courts.
• Official forms and processes are available to help you protect your tenancy and wellbeing.

The law offers clear protection and steps for renters experiencing harassment in England, and support is available if you need it.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Private Renting: Your Rights and Responsibilities (GOV.UK)
• County Court (official site for civil claims, including harassment)
• Find Your Local Council (for reporting harassment and seeking local help)
• Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

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1. Protection from Eviction Act 1977, available at legislation.gov.uk
2. Housing Act 1988, available at legislation.gov.uk
3. County Court information: HM Courts & Tribunals Service

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