Support Services for Harassed Renters in England

If you're renting your home in England and experiencing harassment from your landlord or letting agent, it's important to know that strong support services are available. Tenant harassment is illegal, and understanding your rights and the pathways to help can make a crucial difference. This guide explains who can assist you, legal protections, and practical steps you can take—so you never have to face harassment alone.

What Is Tenant Harassment?

In England, tenant harassment means any deliberate action by your landlord or their agent to make you leave your home or stop you from exercising your legal rights. Examples include changing locks, cutting off utilities, persistent threats, or entering your home without notice. Harassment is unlawful under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the Housing Act 1988.^1,2

Your Rights as a Tenant in England

As a renter, your rights are protected by law. You cannot be evicted without proper process, and your landlord must give you adequate notice and follow lawful procedures. Harassment and illegal eviction are both criminal offences.

Where to Turn for Support

If you are being harassed, you can contact one or more of the following:

• Citizens Advice – Offers free, confidential advice.
• Your local council’s housing department – Most councils have tenancy relations officers who can intervene in harassment cases.
• Shelter England – A national charity providing legal information and urgent support for renters.
• The police (101 or 999 in emergencies) – If you feel threatened or in danger, contact the police.

These services can help explain your rights, contact your landlord on your behalf, or help you take legal action if needed.

Reporting Harassment: Key Official Forms and Processes

Taking action is safer and more effective when you understand the correct procedure and paperwork.

1. Making a Complaint to Your Council

• Who to contact: Find the housing department at your local council (Find your local council).
• Form: ‘Complaint about a private landlord’ (no universal form number). Most councils provide an online or downloadable form specifically for reporting landlord harassment or illegal eviction. For example, see Westminster City Council's reporting form.
• When to use: If you have experienced threats, unauthorised entry, termination without notice, or harassment from your landlord.
• How: Gather evidence (texts, emails, photographs, witness statements) and submit the form online or by post.

2. Applying for a Rent Repayment Order (RRO)

• Form: Rent Repayment Order Application (Form RRO1)
• When to use: If your landlord has illegally evicted you or harassed you, you can ask for up to 12 months’ rent back.
• How: Complete Form RRO1 and send it to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)—the relevant tribunal for disputes in England (First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)).

Understanding the Tribunal System

Most serious rental disputes, including cases of illegal eviction or rent repayment, are handled through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).³ The Tribunal is independent, and tenants can represent themselves.

Practical Steps to Take if You’re Being Harassed

• Write to your landlord: Clearly state that their behaviour is inappropriate and you expect it to stop.
• Contact your council’s tenancy relations officer: Ask them to speak with your landlord or take enforcement action.
• Keep copies of all correspondence and evidence.
• If you fear for your safety, contact the police immediately.

Support agencies can help you every step of the way, and you do not need to face the process alone.

1. What should I do first if my landlord is harassing me?
   Start by keeping detailed records of any incidents, then contact your local council's housing department or Citizens Advice for guidance. In urgent cases, call the police.
2. Is it illegal for my landlord to threaten me with eviction without notice?
   Yes. Any attempt to evict you without following proper legal process is unlawful under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
3. How can a council tenancy relations officer help?
   They investigate complaints, can mediate with your landlord, or take enforcement action if harassment is proven.
4. Are there any official forms I must use to report harassment?
   Local councils have complaint forms for reporting harassment. To claim a rent repayment order, you'll need Form RRO1 for the First-tier Tribunal.
5. Where can I get urgent help if I feel unsafe?
   If you are in immediate danger or feel threatened, call the police on 999. For non-emergencies, call 101 or contact Shelter for urgent support.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Your rights are protected by law, and harassment is never acceptable.
• Multiple support services—including the council, charities, and the police—are available to help.
• Official forms like the RRO1 and local council complaints processes are there to support your claim.

Seeking advice early and keeping detailed evidence makes your position much stronger.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Citizens Advice: Help for People Being Evicted
• Shelter England: Get Help
• Find Your Local Council Housing Department
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – for Rent Repayment Orders and appeals
• Contact the Police (101 or 999 in emergencies)

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1. Protection from Eviction Act 1977
2. Housing Act 1988
3. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

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