Harassment and illegal eviction

WHAT DOES HARASSMENT LOOK LIKE?

• Refusing to let you have access to certain parts of the property or only allowing you access at certain times.
• Preventing you from having guests.
• Constant visits from the landlord/lady or agent.
• Offering you money, or threatening violence if you don't leave.
• Visiting without permission when you aren't there, or sending builders to do work without giving you notice.
• Allowing the property to get into such a bad state of repair that it becomes dangerous or difficult to live there.
• Changing the locks.
• Removing or restricting services, i.e. hot water.
• Throwing your belongings into the street.
• Forcing you to sign an agreement which restricts your rights.

Harassment and illegal eviction are criminal offences - you are protected by the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. If you are suffering harassment, are illegally evicted, or feel at risk, get help and advice straightaway.

In an emergency, the police also have the power to help if you are being threatened with violence. You may be able to get help free from a solicitor. In certain cases of harassment and unlawful eviction, solicitors may be able to obtain emergency legal funding for somebody that same day and obtain a hearing the following day in urgent cases. This is something worth looking into.

If you feel you are being harassed then come and see us in the Advice Centre and we will try to assist you. It may be that we need to refer you to a specialist, depending on your circumstances.

Further details about evictions can be found via Shelter.

Photo by Allan Vega on Unsplash