Landlord harassment

Some landlords try and force their tenants to move out by harassing them. Harassment is a criminal offence. If you are having difficulties with your landlord, please call us for advice. You can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.

What is harassment?

Harassment can be carried out by your landlord or someone acting for your landlord, like an agent. It includes things that stop you living peaceably in your home, such as:

• cutting off or restricting services such as hot water or heating
• stopping you having guests
• constantly calling round late at night or without warning
• threatening you
• entering your home when you're not there or without your permission
• allowing your home to get into such a bad state of repair that it's dangerous for you to stay
• leaving building works unfinished
• sending in builders without notice
• insisting that you sign agreements that reduce your rights 

What action can be taken?

Harassment does not have to be obvious or intentional before you can do something about it. You can:

• ask your landlord to stop the behaviour
• keep a diary, notes and photographs of what happens
• contact us or an advice centre, the police, or a solicitor for help (this can also be used as evidence later)
• ask your landlord to put all communication to you in writing
• have someone with you for support and as a witness whenever you see your landlord

In an emergency, such as if you have been locked out, please contact us. If we are not available to help immediately or if violence has been threatened, you should also call the police.

Taking legal action

You may be able to take your landlord to court to stop the harassment or to let you back in the property. We can help you to do this. This can be effective as your landlord could be imprisoned if a court order is not obeyed. The court can also award you compensation. We can help negotiate with your landlord to sort out problems. Even if we don't think there is enough evidence to take your landlord to court, we could warn or officially caution your landlord about the consequences of continuing the harassment.