Your Rights If Pressured to Leave Your Rented Home in Wales

If you are renting in Wales and feel you are being harassed or pressured to leave your home, it is important to know that you have strong legal protections. This guide explains what landlord harassment is, your rights under Welsh law, and the practical steps you can take to respond.

Understanding Harassment and Unlawful Eviction

Harassment by a landlord or letting agent can include threats, repeated unwanted visits, cutting off utilities, or making your living conditions uncomfortable to force you to leave. Unlawful eviction happens if you're forced out of your home without the correct legal process.

• Harassment is illegal under the Housing Act 1988 and Protection from Eviction Act 1977¹.
• Your landlord must give valid notice and use the correct legal procedures to end your tenancy.
• Only a court can order you to leave if you do not agree to go.

What Counts as Harassment?

• Entering your home without permission (except in emergencies)
• Threatening, aggressive, or persistent unwanted contact
• Withholding keys or changing locks
• Deliberately cutting off power, water, or heating
• Pressuring you to leave by making false claims (e.g., saying you must go immediately for a sale)

Landlords must follow the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and Housing Act 1988².

Your Rights and How to Respond

If you believe you are being harassed or your landlord is not following the law, take these steps:

• Keep records of all incidents (photos, notes, messages, call logs)
• Do not move out unless you choose to or a court orders you to leave
• Contact your local council’s housing department to report harassment – they can investigate and may take enforcement action
• If you are threatened, call the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency)
• Seek support from independent advice services, such as Shelter Cymru

How the Correct Eviction Process Works in Wales

Most renters in Wales now have an ‘occupation contract’ under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016³. Your landlord must:

• Serve you with a valid written notice (such as a Section 173 notice for standard contracts)
• Allow the legally required notice period (usually six months for 'no fault' notices, unless for rent arrears or breach of contract)
• Apply to court for possession if you do not leave – only a court bailiff can enforce eviction

Relevant Official Forms

• Possession Claim Form N5: Used by landlords to apply to court to repossess your home if you do not leave after notice. See N5 on GOV.UK. As a renter, you may receive this if your landlord proceeds with court action - respond by using Form N11B (listed below).
• Defence Form N11B: Enables you to explain to the court why you shouldn’t be evicted. See N11B on GOV.UK. Use this if you receive a possession claim form, to present your side and any evidence (such as proof of harassment).

The County Court handles tenancy possession claims in Wales.

Reporting Harassment: What to Do

Your local council’s Tenancy Relations Officer (TRO) can investigate harassment and illegal eviction and may prosecute your landlord. To report:

• Find your local council using the government search tool
• Contact the housing/private renting or Environmental Health team
• Provide detailed evidence of harassment or unlawful practices

If immediate safety is at risk, call the police. For civil legal actions, support is available through independent advice bodies and legal aid.

Quick Summary: Your Steps

• Document every incident of harassment
• Do not leave unless you choose to or a court orders it
• Contact your local council and advice services
• Respond to any court paperwork using official forms

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord keeps turning up unannounced?
   Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ notice before visits, except in emergencies. If they keep coming unannounced, record each visit and report it to your local council’s housing department.
2. Is my landlord allowed to evict me without a written notice?
   No, landlords must serve valid written notice and go through the official court process. Evicting you without this is illegal in Wales under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
3. How do I report harassment from my landlord in Wales?
   Contact your local council’s housing team, ask for the Tenancy Relations Officer, and provide all evidence. Shelter Cymru and the police can also assist.
4. Which official tribunal or court deals with tenancy disputes in Wales?
   The County Court in Wales handles residential tenancy possession and eviction cases.
5. Where can I find more advice and support as a renter?
   See the resources section below for government and independent advice sources such as Shelter Cymru and Citizens Advice.

Key Takeaways

• You have legal protection in Wales against landlord harassment and unlawful eviction.
• Never leave your rented home unless you choose to or there is a court order.
• Document everything and seek help early—your council and advice services can support and defend your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru Advice and Support – Free, confidential help on housing issues
• Find Your Local Council Housing Team – Report harassment or illegal eviction
• Citizens Advice Wales – Housing Help
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Full text of current tenancy law
• Ministry of Justice – General court and legal guidance

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1. Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and Housing Act 1988: Official Text
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: See Full Legislation
3. Official forms and courts: GOV.UK – Evicting Tenants

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