Specialist landlord & tenant solicitors protecting tenants from intimidation, unlawful eviction, harassment, threats, illegal entry and breaches of the right to quiet enjoyment across England.
When a landlord’s conduct crosses the line entering without notice, cutting utilities, ignoring repair responsibilities, issuing threats, or pressuring a tenant to leave the law offers powerful protection.
Harassment by a landlord is illegal, and in many cases, a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. It can also amount to a breach of contract, a breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment, and grounds for compensation or injunctive relief.
At Knights & Shah Solicitors, we provide specialist legal support for tenants experiencing harassment or unlawful eviction attempts. We act quickly, discreetly and strategically to restore your rights, stop the harassment, and pursue compensation where appropriate.
Landlord harassment can arise where a landlord, or someone acting on their behalf, deliberately interferes with a residential occupier’s peace or comfort, or persistently withdraws or withholds services reasonably required for occupation of the property, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the conduct is likely to cause the occupier to leave or refrain from exercising their legal rights. The precise legal position will depend on the facts and the occupier’s status.
Harassment can take many forms. Common examples include:
Entering the property without permission
Turning off gas, electricity or water
Changing the locks while you still live there
Threatening or intimidating behaviour
Frequent unannounced visits
Pressuring you to leave without proper legal procedures
Withholding repairs to make the property uninhabitable
Removing doors, windows or essential items
Harassing messages, phone calls or confrontational behaviour
Interfering with family members or guests
Discriminatory behaviour relating to race, religion, gender or disability
Attempting to evict you without a court order
Posting notices or messages designed to scare you or force you out
Even subtle or “low-level” actions, when repeated or done with intent, can amount to landlord harassment.
Every tenant in England & Wales is legally entitled to:
Your landlord must not interfere with your right to live peacefully in your home.
This right exists even if it is not written in your tenancy agreement.
A landlord must follow the lawful procedure applicable to the particular tenancy or occupation. For most assured tenancies in England, possession is now sought by relying on an applicable statutory ground under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988. Section 21 was abolished in England on 1 May 2026. A landlord must not simply change the locks, remove the occupier or use harassment or intimidation to recover possession.
Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, harassment and illegal eviction attempts may be criminal offences.
A landlord cannot deliberately delay or withhold repairs to force you to move out.
Whether conduct amounts to unlawful harassment depends on the circumstances. Conduct that may require urgent legal advice includes:
It is intended to force you to leave
It interferes with your health, safety, peace, or wellbeing
It breaches the Protection from Eviction Act 1977
It involves intimidation or threats
It interferes with essential services
It denies you access to your home
It is discriminatory
It is part of an unlawful eviction attempt
If your landlord has made you feel unsafe, pressured or uncomfortable you may have a legal claim.
If you believe your landlord is harassing you, the following steps help protect your rights:
Record dates, times, messages, calls and incidents.
Take photos, screenshots and videos where relevant.
Harassment can escalate quickly. Let a solicitor intervene safely.
We can review your evidence and confirm your legal position.
Environmental health and Tenancy Relations Officers can intervene in cases of serious harassment.
Send formal warnings and solicitor’s notices
Obtain injunctions preventing further harassment
Stop illegal eviction attempts
Pursue compensation for distress, loss and inconvenience
File criminal complaints where appropriate
Apply for court orders requiring the landlord to comply with the law
Our specialist team will:
Review your tenancy agreement and evidence
Identify whether the behaviour meets the legal definition of harassment
Stop the harassment quickly through legal intervention
Prevent or reverse illegal eviction
Seek compensation for losses, distress, inconvenience and damage
Escalate to the council, police or court where appropriate
Apply for emergency injunctions if you’re at risk of being unlawfully removed
We focus on strong legal strategy, precise drafting, and rapid protective action.
If you’re experiencing landlord harassment or fear an illegal eviction, our team is ready to step in immediately. We will protect your rights, stop the unlawful behaviour, and provide clear legal guidance tailored to your situation.
For confidential, expert support, please contact us today and let a qualified solicitor review your case.
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