Tenants often worry about a landlord or visitor entering privately rented homes without permission. In Northern Ireland, this can be both a criminal matter and a civil wrong: you may call the police if you are in danger or the entry is immediate and unauthorised, or pursue civil remedies such as injunctions or claims for damages under the Private Tenancies Act. This article explains when to involve the police, when to use civil procedures, which official forms and courts to contact, and practical steps tenants can take to protect privacy and stop repeated illegal entry. It is written for renters who are not legal experts and focuses on clear, practical actions.
Understanding illegal entry and your options
Illegal entry usually means someone enters your home without your permission and without a lawful right. For tenants this can include landlords, contractors or other third parties. You have two main paths: immediate police action for criminal conduct or a civil claim to stop the behaviour and seek compensation. Which route is right depends on the facts: safety and immediacy point to police, repeated or non-emergency breaches often suit civil remedies.
When to call the police
If you are threatened, the entry is violent, or someone is refusing to leave, call the police immediately. If there is no immediate danger but a recent unauthorised entry took place, report it to the police as a crime so there is an official record and an investigating officer can advise on next steps.[2]
- Call 999 if you or others are in immediate danger or a crime is happening now.
- Use the PSNI non-emergency number 101 or their online reporting options to record an incident that already happened.
- Keep clear records: note dates, times, who entered, what was said and take photos of any damage or disturbed property as evidence for police and civil use.
Civil remedies tenants can use
Civil options aim to stop unlawful entry and compensate you. Common remedies include injunctions to prevent future entry, orders for damages for loss or distress, and specific performance where appropriate. The Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 sets out tenants' rights and relevant duties on landlords and can inform civil claims.[1]
- Apply for an injunction or possession order through the courts if the landlord repeatedly enters without lawful authority; contact NI Courts for the correct claim form and process.[3]
- Gather evidence before applying: dated photos, witness names, copies of messages/emails and any police incident numbers.
- Consider an application for damages if you can show loss, damage or serious distress linked to the illegal entry.
Official paperwork and forms — what tenants should know
There is no single "illegal entry" form for tenants; instead you will use the police reporting routes or the civil claim forms from NI Courts. For police reports use PSNI reporting guidance and any online crime report form provided by PSNI. For civil claims contact the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service for the correct claim and injunction forms and filing instructions.[2][3]
- Police report: PSNI online reporting or 101 for non-emergencies — use this when the incident has occurred and immediate harm is not present.[2]
- Court claim forms: obtain the correct civil claim and injunction forms from NI Courts and Tribunals Service, complete the claimant sections and submit with any fee or application to waive the fee if eligible.[3]
Practical steps to protect yourself
- Document every incident with dates, times and witnesses and keep copies of messages, emails and photos.
- If you are at risk or the entry is violent, call 999; for non-emergencies report via 101 or PSNI online and keep the crime reference number.
- Seek civil remedies by applying to the courts for an injunction or damages using NI Courts forms; get legal advice or contact tenant advice services before filing.
- Change locks only with legal advice — doing so without lawful right can create new legal issues; consider asking for a formal court order if safety is at stake.
FAQ
- Can my landlord enter my rented home without permission?
- Generally no. Landlords need either your permission, a lawful right in the tenancy agreement, or an emergency reason. Repeated or non-emergency unauthorised entry can be illegal and you may pursue police or civil action.
- Should I call the police or start a civil claim?
- Call the police for immediate danger, violence or when a crime is happening. Use civil claims for recurring breaches, to seek injunctions or compensation. You may use both routes depending on the situation.
- How do I apply to stop a landlord entering my home?
- You can apply to the Northern Ireland courts for an injunction or other civil order; gather evidence, obtain the correct court forms from NI Courts and Tribunals Service and consider free tenant advice before filing.
How-To
- Assess safety and call 999 immediately if you or others are at risk.
- Report the incident to PSNI via 101 or their online reporting tool and record the crime reference number.
- Collect evidence: photos, witness details, messages and a written log of events with dates and times.
- Contact NI Courts to get the correct civil claim or injunction forms and follow filing instructions, or seek free legal advice before submitting.
- After filing, follow court timetables carefully and keep all communications and court papers in a secure folder.
Key Takeaways
- Call the police for immediate danger and keep the crime reference number.
- Use civil claims to seek injunctions or damages when entry is repeated but not immediately dangerous.
- Document every incident carefully to support police reports and court applications.
Help and Support / Resources
- Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) — report crime, emergency and non-emergency guidance.
- Department for Communities (Northern Ireland) - Private renting guidance — information on private tenancies and tenants' rights.
- Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service — civil claim and injunction forms and filing instructions.
