What Renters Should Do If Facing Harassment to Leave in England

If you’re renting in England and being pressured to leave your home, you have important rights and protections. Landlord harassment and illegal eviction are both serious offences under English law. Whether you’re facing repeated threats, calls at odd hours, removal of services, or even lockouts, it’s crucial to understand what to do—and where to turn for help.

What Counts as Harassment?

Your landlord (or their agent) is not allowed to do anything intended to make you leave your home or interfere with your peace and comfort. Harassment can include:

• Threatening or aggressive behaviour
• Repeated unwanted visits or calls
• Cutting off gas, electricity, or water
• Changing the locks or removing your belongings
• Entering your home without proper notice

These actions are illegal under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Only a court can legally force you to leave, following the correct eviction process.

What Steps Should You Take?

Document what’s happening and reach out for support quickly. Here’s what to do:

• Keep records: Write down dates, times, and details of any harassment or threats. Save texts, emails, and take photos if property or locks are tampered with.
• Do not move out voluntarily: Leaving could make it harder to challenge the eviction later.
• Ask your landlord to stop in writing: Send a letter or email stating you do not want to be contacted except by agreed appointment, unless there’s an emergency.
• Contact your local council’s housing or tenancy relations officer: They can investigate and act against landlords who harass tenants or carry out illegal evictions. Find your local council via Find your local council.

Reporting Illegal Eviction or Serious Harassment

If you’re threatened with physical violence or locked out, call the police (use 999 if it’s an emergency). The police can help you regain entry and may take action against the landlord.

For non-emergency cases, take these steps:

• Contact your local council: Seek help from the housing options team or tenancy relations officers, who can take legal action against the landlord.
• Seek an injunction: You can apply through the county court for an injunction to force your landlord to stop harassment or let you back in. Use Form N16A (Application for an Injunction) if you need urgent protection.

Example: If your landlord changes the locks while you’re out, you can apply for an injunction using Form N16A to get back into your home.

Who Handles Disputes?

The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) deals with many residential tenancy disputes in England, including harassment and illegal eviction cases. The County Court often handles urgent applications like injunctions as well.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Form N16A: Application for an Injunction (General Form)
  When to use: If you need the court to order your landlord to stop harassment or let you back in after an illegal eviction.
  How: Download Form N16A, complete it, and submit it to your local County Court office. The court will set a hearing, sometimes very urgently.

To learn more about your rights, read the guidance from the government on eviction and harassment of tenants.

FAQ: Harassment and Your Rights as a Renter in England

1. What is illegal eviction? Illegal eviction is when a landlord forces you to leave without following the legal process, such as changing the locks or threatening you without a court order.
2. Can I refuse to leave if my landlord is harassing me? Yes, unless a court has given an eviction order. You do not have to leave just because your landlord tells you to or tries to pressure you.
3. How do I get back in if my landlord changes the locks? Call the police and seek legal advice. You can apply for an injunction using Form N16A to regain entry.
4. Can I claim compensation for harassment? Yes. If your landlord has harassed you or carried out an illegal eviction, you may be able to claim compensation through the courts.
5. What evidence should I keep? Keep notes of incidents, copies of messages, communications, and photographs of any damage or lock changes. This supports your case if you take legal action.

Conclusion: Your Rights and Next Steps

• You cannot be forced out of your rented home without a proper legal process and court order in England.
• Harassment or pressure tactics by landlords are illegal under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
• Help is available from your local council, the police, and the courts to protect your rights.

If you are experiencing harassment, you do not have to face it alone. Act promptly and always seek support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Government guidance on eviction and harassment
• Find your local council – Housing or tenancy relations teams can help
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Tribunal for tenancy disputes
• Form N16A (Application for an Injunction) – To stop harassment or regain entry after an illegal eviction

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1. Protection from Eviction Act 1977 – Key provisions regarding harassment and illegal eviction
2. Official government guidance: Eviction and harassment of tenants
3. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential tenancy disputes
4. Form N16A (Application for an Injunction) official source

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