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Harassment and Illegal Eviction

Feeling secure in your own home is important and so is knowing where to go for help should you need it.

What is harassment?

Harassment in this context can include anything done by a landlord/ lady that interferes with your occupation. It also takes place when your landlord/lady tries to get you out of their property without going through the proper channels. The law says that if you are suffering harassment, you can get an injunction to stop it, as well as compensation.

However it is not always that straight forward and many tenants have had their lives made a misery without being able to get anybody to accept that they are being harassed.

If you come home to find your belongings out on the street, or the locks changed on the door, it may be obvious that you are being harassed (this can be legal with a resident landlord/lady). But landlords/ladies do not always have to use such obvious methods to push you out and you are still entitled to protection whatever form the harassment takes.

Any of the following types of action by your landlord/ lady could be harassment:

  • Refusing to allow you access to parts of your accommodation or only allowing it at certain times
  • Stopping you from having guests
  • Constant visits from either your landlord/ lady or their agent(s), visits late at night, visits without warning.
  • Offering you money or threatening you.
  • Entering your home when you are not there and without permission
  • Allowing the property to get into such a bad state of repair that it is dangerous or uncomfortable for you to stay there, or starting building works and then leaving them unfinished.
  • Sending builders in without any notice or at unsociable hours
  • Removing or restricting services such as hot water or heating.
  • Changing locks.
  • Moving in "stooge" tenants who cause nuisances such as loud music.
  • Forcing tenants to sign agreements that reduce their rights.

Racial or Sexual Harassment

If you are suffering racial or sexual harassment, or want to know more you should seek advice through AWARE.

Illegal Eviction

As a tenant, you have certain security of tenure. In short, this means that you cannot be forced to leave your home without a court order. Any attempts to evict you without such an order is illegal and as such a criminal offence.

This applies even if you have rent arrears or have breached the tenancy agreement in another way.

Stone King Solicitors visits AWARE regularly for free legal advice.