Tenants who face hate-crime harassment in their homes need clear, practical steps to protect themselves and their tenancy in England. This guide explains what counts as hate-crime harassment, how to report incidents to the police, how to collect and preserve evidence, and when to involve your landlord, local council or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). It uses plain language for renters and tenants, outlines official forms and routes you may use, and shows realistic examples of when to apply for an injunction or compensation. If you are worried about safety, immediate threats or illegal eviction, this page explains first actions and legal options so you can move forward with confidence.
What is hate-crime harassment in housing?
Hate-crime harassment is behaviour aimed at you because of a protected characteristic such as race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender reassignment. In housing this can include threats, abusive graffiti, repeated intimidation, damage to property, or attempts to force you out of your home. Both criminal law and housing law can apply, and landlords or agents must not harass tenants or use illegal eviction tactics. You may have criminal routes, civil remedies and housing-specific complaints to stop the behaviour and seek redress.
Immediate actions for safety and reporting
If you or others are in immediate danger, call emergency services. For non-emergency hate incidents, contact your local police to report the incident and obtain a crime reference number[1]. Always prioritise physical safety: find a safe place, get medical attention if needed and ask witnesses for statements. Keep copies of messages, take dated photos of damage, and note times and dates of incidents.
Collecting and preserving evidence
- Photos, videos and screenshots of abusive messages or damage, with dates visible where possible.
- Copies of text messages, emails, social media posts and voicemail.
- Witness names and contact details and short written statements from witnesses.
- Records of any repair requests or property damage reports to your landlord or managing agent.
- A dated log or diary noting each incident, time and any steps you took.
Official complaints and legal routes
There are several official routes you can take: report to the police for criminal action, ask your local council for anti-social behaviour or harassment intervention, and use civil enforcement such as injunctions or orders through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber))[2]. Housing law that can be relevant includes the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977[3][4].
Relevant official forms and when to use them
- Report a hate crime (no form number) — use the GOV.UK reporting route when an incident is criminal, so you can get a crime reference and enable police investigation. Example: you receive threats and sustained intimidation; report to the police and keep the crime reference for later civil or housing complaints.
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — use the tribunal application procedure to seek injunctions, orders to stop harassment or compensation. The tribunal provides online application guidance and an application form; some cases use an online application rather than a numbered paper form. Example: after repeated harassment and landlord inaction, apply to the Tribunal for an injunction to stop trespass or harassment.
- Local council complaint forms — councils vary, but you can use their anti-social behaviour or housing complaints forms when the harassment affects your housing or safety. Example: report ongoing neighbour harassment that your landlord will not address so the council can open an ASB case.
Practical steps when your landlord is involved
If the harassment comes from neighbours but your landlord fails to act, put your complaint in writing and serve a clear written notice to the landlord or managing agent, keeping a dated copy. If the landlord retaliates or tries to evict you without following legal procedure, this can be unlawful eviction or harassment. You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for orders to stop the behaviour, to seek repairs, or for compensation where appropriate. The tribunal can make legally binding orders after hearing evidence.
What to expect at a tribunal or hearing
A tribunal hearing will review evidence, hear witness statements and consider whether harassment or unlawful conduct has occurred. Prepare your evidence bundle, bring witnesses where possible, and submit any written statements in advance according to tribunal directions. The tribunal may issue injunctions, orders for repairs, or awards of compensation depending on the case.
FAQ
- Can my landlord evict me for reporting hate crime?
- No. Evicting or retaliating against a tenant for reporting crime or complaining about harassment may be illegal. If your landlord attempts an unlawful eviction, you can report this and seek an order from the tribunal.
- What evidence will help my case?
- Photographs, dated messages, witness statements, a dated incident log, medical records and any police crime reference numbers are the most useful evidence.
- How long does a tribunal application usually take?
- Timelines vary by case and workload, but expect several weeks to months from application to hearing. Seek interim measures from police or council if you need urgent protection.
How-To
- Contact the police to report the incident and obtain a crime reference.
- Collect and preserve evidence: photos, messages, medical records and witness details.
- Put your complaint in writing to your landlord or managing agent and keep a dated copy.
- If the landlord does not act, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an injunction or order.
- Seek support from your local council or victim support services for safety planning and local remedies.
Key Takeaways
- Report hate-crime incidents to the police promptly and get a crime reference.
- Preserve dated evidence and keep a clear incident log.
- Use the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for civil orders if the landlord or council does not act.
Help and Support / Resources
- Report a hate crime - GOV.UK
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
- Find your local council - GOV.UK
