Harassment by Landlords: Your Rights in Wales

If you're renting a home in Wales, it's important to know your rights when dealing with your landlord. Harassment by a landlord can seriously impact your wellbeing and is illegal under Welsh housing law. Understanding the types of behaviour that count as harassment, and knowing how to respond, can help you stay confident and safe in your home.

What Is Harassment by a Landlord?

Harassment by a landlord is any action deliberately intended to make you feel uncomfortable in your home or pressure you to leave your property. Both actions and threats can count as harassment—even if no physical contact is involved.

Examples of Landlord Harassment in Wales

• Entering your home without proper notice, except in an emergency
• Changing the locks without your consent
• Threatening, abusive, or intimidating behaviour (verbally or in writing)
• Turning off utilities such as water, heating, or electricity
• Purposefully neglecting repairs to force you out
• Constant, unnecessary visits or communication designed to hassle you

This list isn't exhaustive, but it shows common patterns. Harassment can be ongoing or a single serious incident. In Wales, these actions violate your right to 'quiet enjoyment'—the right to live in your home undisturbed.

Is It Illegal for a Landlord to Harass Tenants in Wales?

Yes. In Wales, landlord harassment is prohibited under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and supported by rules under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016¹. Landlords cannot try to force or intimidate you into leaving your home without following the correct legal process.

Your Rights as a Renter

As a renter in Wales, you have legal protections:

• You are entitled to 'quiet enjoyment' of your home
• Your landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before visiting (except in emergencies)
• You cannot be evicted without a court order

Steps to Take if You Are Harassed by Your Landlord

If you're experiencing landlord harassment in Wales, follow these steps to protect yourself and assert your rights.

• Keep evidence: Write down dates, times, and what happened. Keep copies of letters, texts, emails, and photos if property damage or changes occur.
• Communicate in writing: If safe, calmly remind your landlord of your rights and ask them to stop in writing. This creates clear records.
• Contact your council: Report harassment to your local council’s housing department. They can investigate and offer support. See the official advice from Welsh Government: Tenancy Rights.
• Seek advice: Independent organisations, such as Shelter Cymru or Citizens Advice, can guide you through your options.
• Apply to the tribunal or court: If harassment continues, you may be able to apply for an injunction or compensation through the courts.

Relevant Official Forms for Renters

• N5B Wales: Claim form for possession of property (accelerated procedure)
  

  Used when your landlord tries to evict you without following the proper process. Submit this if you need to challenge an unlawful eviction attempt in Wales.

  Form N5B Wales on gov.uk
• Protection from Harassment Application
  

  If you need a court order to stop your landlord’s behaviour, apply for an injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. There is no single specific form; applications are made through the county court.

  How to apply for an injunction (Gov.uk)

What Tribunal or Court Handles Tenant Complaints in Wales?

Disputes about illegal eviction or harassment are handled by the county court, and sometimes the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for specific housing issues. In severe situations, contact the police if your safety is threatened.

Relevant Legislation for Welsh Renters

• Protection from Eviction Act 1977 (Section 1): Unlawful eviction and harassment
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

1. What should I do if my landlord keeps showing up without notice?
   Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before coming to your home, except in emergencies. If they keep arriving unannounced, politely remind them of your rights, record their visits, and speak to your local council for support. This could be considered harassment if it continues.
2. Can I be evicted just because I complained about repairs?
   No, it's illegal for a landlord to harass or evict you because you requested repairs. They must follow the proper legal process if they want you to leave. If you receive threats or notice after asking for repairs, contact your council or Citizens Advice immediately.
3. Who can help me if I’m feeling unsafe due to landlord harassment?
   If you feel threatened or unsafe, you can contact your local council’s housing team, the police (in emergencies), or support services like Shelter Cymru. Keep all evidence of the harassment to help your case.
4. How do I stop landlord harassment in Wales?
   Keep detailed records, tell your landlord in writing to stop (if you feel safe), seek advice from Shelter Cymru or the council, and consider applying to court for an injunction. Your local authority can investigate complaints and take enforcement action.
5. What is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales is an official body handling certain types of housing disputes, like unfair practices or errors in notices. For harassment and eviction issues, the county court is usually responsible.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Harassment by landlords is illegal in Wales and protected against by law.
• Keep detailed records and seek advice if you experience harassment.
• Your council and legal services offer strong support for tenant rights.

Knowing your rights can make a big difference if issues arise. Support is available to help you feel safe and secure in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

• Welsh Government: Tenancy Rights and Renting Guidance
• Shelter Cymru: Get Housing Advice (free, confidential advice and support)
• Citizens Advice Cymru: Housing Information
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales
• Your Local Council's Housing Department

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1. See the full Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the official Welsh Government renting guidance for details on your legal rights.

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