How to Deal with Harassment in Shared Housing in Wales

Living in shared housing or a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Wales can provide a vibrant community, but sometimes conflict or harassment may occur. If you're experiencing harassment from a housemate, landlord, or letting agent, it's vital to understand your rights and the actions available to protect your well-being and tenancy. This guide discusses how renters in Wales can respond to and seek help for harassment within their shared home.

What is Harassment in Shared Housing?

Harassment can be any behaviour intended to make you feel scared, threatened, or uncomfortable in your home. In the context of shared housing in Wales, this could include:

• Repeated unwanted visits or messages.
• Intimidation, threats, or verbal abuse.
• Unlawful entry into your personal space or room without proper notice.
• Interfering with services such as heating, water, or electricity.
• Threatening to evict or actually evicting you without following the lawful process.

Both landlords and other occupiers (such as housemates) can be responsible for harassment. Welsh tenancy law offers specific protections regardless of your status as a contract-holder, lodger, or HMO tenant.

Your Legal Rights Against Harassment

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, all contract-holders have a right to live in peace and safety. Landlords must not harass or unlawfully evict tenants. In serious cases, harassment may be a criminal offence, and you can take legal action through the courts or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Recognising an Offence

• Unlawful eviction: Where you are removed from your home without proper legal process.
• Harassment: Persistent actions calculated to force you out or make you abandon your rights.

Steps to Take if You Are Harassed

Prompt action can make a big difference. Here’s what you should do if you experience harassment in your shared home:

• Keep a detailed diary: Record each incident, with dates, times, and what happened.
• Gather evidence: This could include texts, emails, witnesses, or photos.
• Raise the issue informally: If safe, speak to your landlord, letting agent, or housemates to try to resolve the matter. Sometimes problems can be fixed with a conversation.
• Write a formal complaint: If the harassment continues, write to your landlord or agent, keeping a record of all correspondence.

When to Use Official Forms

If informal and written complaints do not solve the situation, you can use official procedures to protect yourself:

• Harassment and illegal eviction complaint: You may contact your local council's housing department, who can investigate and may take action against the landlord or agent. Report illegal eviction or harassment with your local council.
• Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales: If you want to challenge issues such as the standard of your accommodation or retaliatory eviction linked to complaints, you can apply using the 'RHW3: Application' form available on the Residential Property Tribunal Wales website.

Practical example: If a landlord is entering your room without notice and ignores your complaints, you can use the RHW3 form to apply for a tribunal hearing. The tribunal will consider your evidence and can order the landlord to stop the harassment and compensate you if appropriate.

Possible Outcomes and Protections

Successful complaints can result in:

• Landlords facing criminal prosecution and fines.
• Court or tribunal orders to stop the harassment.
• Compensation for any loss or distress suffered.

As a renter in Wales, you are protected from being penalised for asserting your rights. The law ensures you can remain in your home safely, without fear of retaliation.

FAQ: Harassment Issues for Shared Housing Renters in Wales

1. What if I’m being harassed by a housemate rather than the landlord?
   If another occupier is harassing you, inform your landlord in writing. They have a duty to address issues that affect your peace and comfort. If it continues, you can also contact your local council or seek advice from Shelter Cymru.
2. Is my landlord allowed to enter my room without permission?
   No, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your room in most tenancy types. Unauthorised entry can be considered harassment. Check your occupation contract for any variations.
3. Can I be evicted for reporting harassment?
   Retaliatory eviction (being evicted for making a complaint) is unlawful in Wales. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 protects contract-holders in such cases. If you suspect retaliatory eviction, seek immediate legal advice.
4. How do I report illegal eviction or harassment?
   Contact your local council's housing department or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. For emergencies, contact the police.
5. Are there any official forms I should use?
   The main form used for tribunal applications is RHW3: Application. It’s filed when applying to the Residential Property Tribunal for matters under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Download it from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales forms page.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Harassment in shared housing is unlawful—keep evidence and act promptly.
• Welsh law provides strong protections; know your rights to a safe, peaceful home.
• If informal steps fail, contact your council or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for help.

Remember: support is available, and you do not need to face harassment alone.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru: Free advice about housing rights and harassment issues.
• Welsh Government's Renting Homes information: Official guide to rights under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Apply for hearings or resolve tenancy disputes.
• Report illegal eviction or harassment to your local council
• Emergency police contact: 999 (if immediate danger)

1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: The legislation setting out rights and protections for contract-holders in Wales.
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales: The official tribunal for resolving housing and tenancy disputes in Wales.
3. Report illegal eviction or harassment—GOV.UK
4. RHW3: Application Form – Residential Property Tribunal Wales