Harassment and illegal evictions
There are rules if a landlord wants a tenant to move out. Eviction is a legal process and the landlord must serve the tenant with correct notice.
Minimum notice periods are legally enforced by the Courts. A landlord may be required to give two months notice, but there are situations when the notice period many be shorter. A court order and warrant may be required to get possession of the property.
If a landlord has served a notice, it is important to get prompt and reliable advice on the validity of the notice and the next steps. Housing Options and organisations such as CAB, Shelter or Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service may be able to assist.
If the landlord does not follow the correct procedures, they may be guilty of a criminal offence of Harassment and illegal eviction.
Unlawful eviction is when the landlord, or anyone acting on their behalf, forces you to leave, or prevents access to any part of your home. It is illegal for threats or physical force to be used, the locks to be changed, utilities disconnected, or tenants items to be removed from the property.
Harassment can be anything a landlord does, or fails to do, that makes a tenant feel unsafe in the property or forces them to leave.
Harassment can include:
- stopping services, like electricity, water etc.
- refusing to carry out repairs
- entering the property without permission
- verbal abuse, threats and physical violence
Retaliatory or revenge eviction is when a landlord serves notice on a tenant because they have complained about property conditions or disrepair. The Retaliatory Eviction and the Deregulation Act 2015 provides some safeguards for tenants from retaliatory evictions. Contact Housing Standards or Housing Options for more advice.
The rules on ending a tenancy are changing in the Renters Rights Bill which is due to come into force in Summer/Autumn 2025.