Landlord harassment and illegal eviction

It is against the law for your landlord to harass you, enter your home without your permission, or evict you without following the proper legal process.

What is harassment?

Harassment can take many forms; it can include:

• entering your home without permission
• repeated visits or visits at unreasonable hours
• verbal abuse, threats, or violence
• ignoring your requests for repairs
• cutting off gas or electricity
• interfering with your mail

What is an illegal eviction?

A private landlord can only end a tenancy if they follow the correct procedure.

The method of ending a tenancy depends on what type it is. If the tenancy started after February 1997, it's almost certain to be a 'shorthold tenancy'. Check your tenancy agreement if you're not sure.

If you have a shorthold tenancy agreement, and no rent arrears, a landlord has to:

• give you two months' official notice in writing
• then apply to a county court toask for possession of the property

The court will decide on the case and let you know when you need to leave. If you are still there after that date the landlord has to go back to court to get a bailiff's warrant. Only a county court bailiff can remove you from the property

Find out more about how a landlord must end a tenancy.

Having problems? We can help

If your landlord is harassing you, threatening you with illegal eviction or has illegally evicted you, get help from our 'tenancy relations service'.

Phone 0161 245 7850.
Or email: pshenquiry@manchester.gov.uk