People living in rented accommodation as tenants are protected against harassment and illegal eviction in two ways. Firstly, harassment and illegal eviction are criminal offences. Secondly, someone who is being harassed or has been illegally evicted by their landlord can claim damages through the civil court.
Harassment could include any action taken by the landlord or someone acting on their behalf, which is likely to affect the tenants’ enjoyment of their home. Such action might include the withholding of services required for the occupation of the property.
Illegal eviction is where a tenant is forced to leave their property due to some activity carried out by their landlord or someone acting on their behalf
Under the Protection From Eviction Act 1977 the council has the power to prosecute landlords for harassment or the illegal eviction of their tenants.
Contact: Customer Response Team on 01724 297624 / 296475.