Every tenant should know their rights if a landlord enters a home without permission. In Wales, renters can take clear steps to protect privacy and safety, including documenting incidents, asking the landlord to stop, and reporting criminal behaviour to the police. This guide explains what counts as unlawful entry, practical actions you can take on the day it happens, and how to raise a formal complaint with the local authority or the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). It also covers the evidence to keep, typical timeframes for action, and where to find official forms and help. Plain language and examples are used so tenants can act quickly and confidently.
What counts as unlawful entry?
Unlawful entry generally means a landlord enters your home without your permission, without reasonable notice, or by force. Emergency access (for fire, flood or immediate danger) is normally permitted, but routine inspections or repairs normally require notice and consent. If you believe a landlord has entered unlawfully you can report this as harassment or illegal eviction under relevant law.[3][4]
Immediate steps to take
- Document the entry with photos, video, and a written log including date, time and what happened.
- Tell the landlord in writing you did not consent and state the date and time; keep a copy of the message.
- Call the police if you feel threatened or if the entry involved force or theft and report the incident.
- Change locks only after checking your tenancy agreement and seeking legal advice if the landlord claims an ongoing right to enter.
- Contact your local authority housing team if the behaviour appears to be harassment or a breach of tenancy standards.
Official forms and where to use them
- Call the police or use the online police reporting service for crimes such as forced entry (no single form number; use the national reporting process at GOV.UK as needed).
- Apply to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) using the tribunal application process when seeking remedies or orders; see the tribunal application guidance and required application form on the tribunal site.[2]
- Follow GOV.UK guidance on illegal eviction and harassment to understand criminal and civil options and any reporting forms or contact points.[1]
Example: If a landlord forces entry and takes belongings, call 999 if you are in danger, then make a written complaint and retain photos and a log. If you want a formal hearing or an order, prepare an application to the First‑tier Tribunal with your evidence and send it as the tribunal guidance describes.[2]
Relevant law (brief)
For matters in Wales, the main statutory frameworks frequently referred to include the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 which govern tenancies and related remedies; criminal offences such as illegal eviction and harassment are addressed in separate legislation and guidance.[3][4]
FAQ
- Can a landlord enter my home without notice?
- No. Except in emergencies or where the tenancy agreement clearly allows entry and you have agreed, landlords should give notice and obtain consent before entering.
- What evidence should I collect after unlawful entry?
- Collect photos or video, a dated written log, witness names, copies of messages, and any damaged or missing item lists; preserve digital evidence securely.
- Who can I report unlawful entry to and what happens next?
- You can report to the police for criminal conduct, contact your local authority housing team for tenancy enforcement, and apply to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for civil remedies; each body may investigate or list a hearing.
How-To
- Secure and timestamp evidence: take photos, video, and write a clear incident log.
- Inform the landlord in writing explaining why the entry was not permitted and request that it does not recur.
- If you are threatened or a crime has occurred, call the police and obtain a crime reference number.
- Contact your local authority housing team to report harassment or seek enforcement of housing standards.
- If you need legal remedy, prepare and submit an application to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with your evidence and witness details.
Help and Support / Resources
- Report a crime — GOV.UK
- First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — GOV.UK
- Illegal eviction and harassment guidance — GOV.UK
