Penalties for Illegal Entry and Harassment in Wales

As a tenant in Wales, you have the right to quiet enjoyment of your home and protection from unlawful entry or harassment by a landlord, their agents, or third parties. This guide explains the difference between criminal offences and civil remedies, practical steps renters can take if they face illegal entry or harassment, and the official forms and bodies used to seek help. It uses clear language for tenants and renters who are not legal experts and focuses on how to preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and access the correct tribunal or court process in Wales.

What counts as illegal entry and harassment?

Illegal entry normally means a landlord or their representative entering a rented home without the tenant's permission and without reasonable grounds, or by using force. Harassment covers behaviour intended to interfere with a tenant's peace, comfort or occupation of the property, including threats, cutting off services, or repeated unwanted visits. Some actions may be criminal, while others can be addressed through civil courts or tribunal applications. The main Acts that apply include the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 in England & Wales; see official legislation for full wording. ^{[1] [2]}

How criminal prosecution and civil remedies differ

Police can investigate criminal offences such as breaches of the Protection from Eviction Act or other criminal statutes; prosecutors decide whether to bring charges. Separately, tenants can pursue civil remedies: injunctions to stop behaviour, damages for loss, or possession claims depending on circumstances. Knowing which route fits your situation helps preserve rights and meet procedural deadlines. ^[3]

Practical steps for tenants

If you experience illegal entry or harassment, these actions help protect you and build a case.

• Call emergency services if you or others are at immediate risk.
• Record incidents: take dated photos, videos and make a written log of dates, times and witnesses.
• Put concerns in writing to your landlord or agent and keep a copy; a clear record can support a tribunal or court application.
• Contact the police for criminal conduct and your local authority housing team for safety or homelessness risk advice.
• Seek early legal advice from an official public advice service or consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal or courts depending on the remedy you need.

Official forms tenants may use

Two commonly used court forms are listed here with examples of when to use them. Links are to GOV.UK official pages.

• N1 - Claim form — used to start a civil claim, including some possession claims. Example: if you are seeking damages or a possession order because harassment made the property unlivable, a landlord or tenant can use this form to begin the claim.
• N244 - Application notice — used to ask the court for an interim order or directions during proceedings. Example: use N244 to request an urgent injunction to stop ongoing harassment while a case proceeds.

Where to take your case: tribunal and courts

For many tenancy disputes in Wales, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) handles certain residential property disputes, while county courts may handle possession claims or other civil remedies. Use the tribunal for relevant disputes and the courts for crimes or some possession matters. Contact the tribunal or courts early to check the correct procedure and time limits. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

FAQ

Can my landlord enter without permission?

Generally no; landlords must give proper notice and only enter for allowed reasons such as emergency or agreed inspections. Repeated or forced entry may be unlawful.

What should I do if I am being harassed?

Document each incident, contact the police for criminal behaviour, inform your landlord in writing, and consider applying to the tribunal or court for an injunction or damages.

How long do I have to act?

Time limits vary by remedy; urgent conduct should be reported immediately to police and recorded, and civil applications should not be delayed because evidence and witness memories fade.

How-To

1. Call the police if someone is in immediate danger and ask for an incident number.
2. Collect and save evidence: photos, messages, video and a dated written log.
3. Write to your landlord or agent explaining the issue and ask them to stop; keep a copy of the letter or email.
4. Consider starting a civil claim or applying for an injunction using the correct court form or by contacting the First-tier Tribunal for guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

• Welsh Government: housing guidance
• Rent Smart Wales
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

1. [1] Housing Act 1988 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. [2] Rent Act 1977 (legislation.gov.uk)
3. [3] Protection from Eviction Act 1977 (legislation.gov.uk)