Homelessness: Advice for private tenants

Landlord harassment and threats of illegal eviction

Harassment is anything your landlord (or family member or friend of your landlord) does to deliberately cause problems in your home or even to make you leave your home. This is a criminal offence and must be reported.

This might include:

  • Refusing to carry out repairs
  • Entering your home without your permission or without notice, or at unsocial hours
  • Cutting off your utility services
  • Violence or the threat of violence, or harassment because of a protected characteristic such as your race, gender, or sexuality
  • Intercepting your mail

If you think you are being harassed, keep a record of what has happened, including dates and evidence if possible.

Find out more on private renting evictions and the rules your landlord must follow

It is also considered harassment if you landlord is trying to make you leave your home illegally, such as by changing locks or if you are evicted without notice. Your landlord should always follow the legal process to end your tenancy.

Find out more on how to deal with illegal evictions

Contact the Homeless team

If you need any further advice or assistance please get in touch. Phone: Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Out of Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm or during the weekend and bank holidays

Telephone: 01709 336009