Recognising and Responding to Landlord Harassment in England

If you’re renting a home in England, your landlord must follow the law and treat you fairly. Understanding what constitutes harassment by a landlord can help renters protect their rights and take confident action. Harassment can make tenants feel unsafe or pressured to leave their home. Here, you’ll find clear explanations of your rights, the legal definitions, and practical steps you can take if you believe you’re being harassed by your landlord.

What Is Landlord Harassment in England?

In England, landlord harassment refers to any action or behaviour by your landlord (or someone acting on their behalf) aimed at deliberately disturbing your ability to live peacefully in your home, or forcing you to leave. Harassment is illegal under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and related housing laws¹.

Common Examples of Landlord Harassment

• Entering your home without proper notice (except in emergencies)
• Changing the locks without your consent
• Withholding keys or refusing to let you into your home
• Cutting off utilities such as water, gas, or electricity
• Making threats, intimidating, or verbally abusing you
• Repeatedly visiting your home without notice to pressure you to leave
• Refusing essential repairs to make you uncomfortable
• Posting notices in public to embarrass or threaten you

Harassment can be direct or indirect, and it’s the effect on you that matters.

Your Legal Rights as a Renter

Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, it’s a criminal offence for landlords or their agents to:

• Deliberately interfere with your peace or comfort in the property
• Use force, threats, or violence to make you leave
• Try to evict you illegally (without a court order)

If your landlord is harassing you, you have the right to live in your home without interference until your tenancy legally ends.

Action Steps: What to Do if You Experience Landlord Harassment

If you believe you’re being harassed by your landlord, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and seek help:

• Keep a record: Write down dates, times, and details of each incident. Keep copies of any texts, emails, or letters.
• Tell your landlord to stop: Politely but firmly ask them in writing to stop the behaviour.
• Contact your local council: The council’s housing team can investigate and may take action against the landlord. Find your council on GOV.UK’s council finder.
• Report to the police: If you feel threatened or unsafe, contact the police, especially in emergencies.

You are not alone. There is support available, and council teams are experienced in dealing with landlord harassment cases.

Relevant Official Forms

• Health and safety complaint to your council:
  Use your council’s housing complaint portal or forms to report harassment. This commonly involves a general housing complaint form found via your council’s website. For example, visit report a problem with a landlord for general guidance.
  Example: If your landlord is shutting off your power or entering without notice, fill out your local council’s housing complaint form so they can investigate and support you.
• N1 Claim Form:
  If you suffer financial loss (for example, your landlord damages your belongings), you can use Form N1 to make a money claim via the county court. Find the official form and guidance at Form N1 Claim Form (CPR Part 7).
  Example: If your landlord’s harassment has cost you money, you can fill in Form N1 and submit it to your local county court.

The Role of Tribunals and Courts

Residential tenancy disputes in England, including harassment complaints, are often managed by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and local County Courts². Councils can take landlords to court for harassment or illegal eviction.

If you need urgent protection, you can also request an injunction from the local County Court to stop the landlord’s actions.

FAQ: Landlord Harassment and Your Rights

1. What immediate steps should I take if my landlord harasses me?
   Keep a detailed record of incidents, inform your landlord in writing to stop, and contact your local council’s housing team. If you feel threatened, call the police.
2. Is landlord harassment the same as illegal eviction?
   No, but they are closely related. Landlord harassment is any act meant to force or encourage you to leave your home, while illegal eviction is removing you without the proper legal process. Both are criminal offences.
3. Can I claim compensation for landlord harassment?
   Yes. If you have suffered financial loss or harm, you can make a claim in the County Court using Form N1. If your landlord is found guilty, they may be ordered to pay you compensation.
4. What if my landlord threatens to change the locks?
   This is an example of harassment. Changing the locks without a court order is illegal. Contact your local council immediately, and consider reporting to the police.
5. Will reporting harassment affect my tenancy?
   Your landlord cannot legally evict you or take retaliatory action for reporting harassment. Doing so is another violation of your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• GOV.UK - Harassment and illegal eviction
• Find your local council – Council housing teams can investigate and support tenants facing harassment
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Handles some residential property disputes
• Contact the police – For urgent safety concerns or threats

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1. See: Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
2. For more on the tribunal process, visit the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) official page.

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