Harrassment and illegal eviction

The following behaviour could be seen as harassment:

• Threatening to or actually changing the locks on your home without an order from a court.
• Being thrown out of your home or being denied access without an order from a court.
• Withholding services that you need to live in the property as your home, like disconnecting gas/electric/water.
• Threats of physical harm.
• Entering your home without your consent or appropriate notification.
• Removal of your belonging from the property without your permission to do so.

It is illegal to evict a tenant without an order from a court

If your landlord does not have an order from a court giving him possession of the property, then any action to remove you from the property is illegal.

There are a few exceptions where a landlord does not require a court to say the tenant has to leave, and these include:

• If you and your landlord live in the same house, where you share the bathroom and kitchen.
• You do not pay rent for your accommodation.

In these cases the landlord is required to give reasonable notice.

If you think your landlord or their agent is harassing you, contact us immediately on 0845 907 2244 on extension 3590

Other useful numbers

Citizens Advice Bureau – Free housing advice
Tel: 0115 944 1646

Council’s Housing Options Team – Free housing advice
Tel: 0845 907 2244 extension 3590

Derbyshire Housing Aid – Free housing advice
Tel: 01332 297611
Freephone: 0800 318034

Hostels, advice and Support services
www.homelessuk.org (opens in a new window)

Rapid Response Team – Out of hours emergency homeless service
Tel: 01773 728222

Shelter - Free housing advice helpline
Tel: 0808 800 4444