Harassment and illegal eviction in private tenancies

The vast majority of landlords are responsible and fair. In the unlikely event of you experiencing trouble with your landlord, we may be able to help.

Such problems may include:

• withdrawl of utility services - when the landlord has not paid the bill or disconnected the supply
• withholding keys
• anti-social behaviour by landlord or agent
• failure to carry out repairs
• threats and physical violence 

For further information on the above or any other issues you may have with your private tenancy, please use the contact details, we may be able to offer some advice and assistance.

What you must do

A formal request must be made to us, by the tenant, experiencing problems from their landlord.

What we must do

We have powers to prosecute persons who fail to fulfil their legal obligations and who commit offences. We will investigate complaints and mediate between the parties wherever possible. Where the evidence is sufficient to indicate the likelihood of a successful prosecution, we will prosecute to protect the publics interest.

What happens next?

Where a complaint is received the Council's Housing Officers will endeavour to secure that the required information is provided. However in the case of persistent failure to provide the information a prosecution will be considered.

Some frequently asked questions

Can the landlord end the tenancy by refusing to accept the rent?

By returning the rent to the tenant, this does not bring the tenancy to an end.  

If the landlord does this, the tenant should:

• but the rent money in a safe place
• continue to offer the rent
• seek advice from a solicitor or citizens advice bureau        

Can a tenant be compensated for having been harassed or illegally evicted?

A tenant can go to county court to claim damages if they have been harassed or illegally evicted.  The court may award damages based on the profit made by a landlord from illegally evicting the tenant.