Back to Your Rights
Illegal Eviction
What counts as illegal eviction, getting emergency help, and involving the police if your landlord locks you out.
Relevant for:
At Risk
Currently Homeless
Important Warnings
- Do not let the landlord intimidate you. Illegal eviction is a serious crime.
- Even if your landlord says you have no rights, if you are a tenant (not a lodger), you do.
- Act quickly. The longer you are out of the property, the harder it can be to get back in.
- It is illegal for your landlord to evict you without a court order. This includes changing the locks, removing your belongings, threatening you, or cutting off utilities to force you out.
- Even if you owe rent or your tenancy has ended, the landlord must go to court. The only exception is if you are a lodger living with your landlord.
- Illegal eviction is a criminal offence. The police can and should get involved if you are locked out or threatened.
- The council has a duty to help you get back into your property if you have been illegally evicted.
- You have the right to call the police if you are illegally evicted. It is harassment and a criminal offence.
- You can take your landlord to court and claim damages for illegal eviction, including compensation for distress and alternative accommodation costs.
- The council must help you return to your property if it is safe and you have been illegally evicted.
Next Steps
Important Action
Call the police immediately
If you are locked out or threatened, call 101 to report an illegal eviction. Call 999 only if you feel in immediate danger.
Important Action
Contact the council
Call the council's housing options or tenancy relations team. They can write to the landlord and help you get back in.
Get legal advice
Contact Shelter or a law centre. You may be able to take legal action against your landlord.
Gather evidence
Take photos of locks changed, messages from landlord, receipts for hotel or accommodation you had to pay for.
External Resources
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