Steps to Take If Your Landlord Uses Threats or Intimidation in Wales

If you’re renting a property in Wales and your landlord is using threats, intimidation, or coercion, it’s important to know that you have legal protections. Whether this involves threatening eviction, harassment for rent, or intimidation after a complaint, Welsh housing laws prohibit such actions. This guide will help you understand what to do if you experience landlord intimidation in Wales, including how to take action, report harassment, and access official support services.

Understanding Landlord Intimidation and Your Rights

Landlord intimidation can take many forms, such as threatening messages, aggressive behaviour, unlawful eviction warnings, or pressuring you to leave without proper notice. In Wales, renters have strong rights under national housing law, and harassment or threats from landlords are strictly prohibited.

• Harassment includes: Persistent phone calls, unannounced visits, withholding repairs as retaliation, or repeated threats.
• Illegal eviction: Trying to force you out without the correct legal process or notice period, often through threats, is a criminal offence.

Your tenancy rights are protected by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[1].

Immediate Steps: Protecting Yourself if Threatened

If your landlord uses threats or intimidation, it’s important to stay calm and document everything. Keeping clear records can be vital if you need to report the behaviour or pursue further action.

• Write down dates, times, and details of each incident.
• Save texts, emails, or letters that contain threats.
• Ask any witnesses (such as flatmates or neighbours) to note what they saw or heard.

Reporting Landlord Harassment or Intimidation

Threats and intimidation from landlords are not just a civil matter—they can also be a criminal offence. You have several ways to report unacceptable behaviour:

• Contact your local council’s housing department. They have powers to investigate harassment and unlawful eviction. Find your local council here.
• Contact the police if a landlord threatens physical harm, forcibly enters, or tries to evict you unlawfully.
• Report to Rent Smart Wales if your landlord is unregistered or acting unlawfully. Visit the Rent Smart Wales official site.

Depending on the situation, your local authority may take steps to prosecute or fine the landlord.

Using Official Forms and Legal Processes

If you’re facing harassment or threats to forcibly evict you, you can seek a court order for protection or to challenge an illegal eviction attempt:

• Form N16A: Application for Injunction – Use this form to apply to the court for an injunction to stop a landlord’s unlawful behaviour, such as harassment or illegal eviction.
  Example use: If your landlord keeps showing up unannounced and threatens to change the locks, you can apply for an injunction using Form N16A to require them to stop.

The local county court in Wales can process these applications. For more, see find your local court.

Official Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes in Wales

Residential tenancy disputes in Wales are primarily handled through your local County Court. Complex regulatory disputes (such as landlord licensing) may be considered by the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.^[2]

What the Law Says: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 makes it illegal for a landlord to:

• Threaten or harass a renter with the intention of forcing them to leave
• Deny access to essential services (like heating or electricity)
• Attempt to evict without serving correct notice or gaining a possession order

Harassment or illegal eviction can lead to legal consequences, including fines or prosecution.

How to Take Action: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step overview if your landlord is using threats or intimidation in Wales:

• Document every incident – Keep written records and save communications.
• Contact your local council – Report harassment to the housing or environmental health department for investigation.
• Apply for an injunction using Form N16A if you need urgent legal protection.
• Seek further help – Contact Rent Smart Wales, Shelter Cymru, or Citizens Advice for guidance and advocacy.

Acting promptly and keeping thorough documentation can help protect your tenancy and personal safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered landlord harassment in Wales?
   Landlord harassment includes any action intended to force you to leave your home or give up your rights, such as making threats, entering without permission, or cutting off essential services.
2. Can my landlord evict me for making a complaint?
   No, it's illegal for landlords to retaliate by evicting or threatening eviction because you’ve made a legitimate complaint. You are protected by law in Wales.
3. Who do I report landlord threats to in Wales?
   You can report threats or intimidation to your local council’s housing team, the police (if there is immediate danger), or Rent Smart Wales if your landlord is unregistered.
4. What evidence should I collect if I plan to take action?
   Gather all communications (texts, emails), record dates and times of incidents, and ask witnesses for statements. Detailed evidence strengthens your case.
5. Is there a specific form to protect myself from landlord harassment?
   Yes, use Form N16A to apply for an injunction through the county court if you need to stop your landlord’s behaviour.

Key Takeaways: Protecting Yourself from Landlord Intimidation

• Your rights as a renter in Wales protect you from threats and harassment by landlords.
• Document everything and report incidents promptly to local council, police, or Rent Smart Wales.
• Use official channels and forms like Form N16A if legal protection is needed.

If your landlord uses threats or intimidation, you are not alone—support and clear pathways exist to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• UK Government Private Renting Advice
• Shelter Cymru: Get Advice
• Citizens Advice Wales: Housing Advice
• Rent Smart Wales
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Residential Property Tribunal Wales – the official tribunal for certain residential tenancy matters in Wales.

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