Illegal Eviction and Harassment Checker
If your landlord has changed the locks, cut off utilities, threatened you, or entered your home without permission, this tool helps you identify whether their actions constitute illegal eviction or harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Select what has happened and the tool will explain the legal position and what to do.
Select everything that applies. You can select more than one.
How to use this tool
- Select everything that your landlord has done. You can select more than one.
- Select “Check whether this is unlawful” to see the legal position and what to do next.
Understanding your results
The tool identifies each action as unlawful eviction, harassment, or a breach of quiet enjoyment, and links it to the relevant law. It then gives you the immediate steps to take. Most results advise contacting the police or your local council alongside Shelter or Citizens Advice. Do not leave the property voluntarily until you have taken legal advice.
What the law says about illegal eviction and harassment
Illegal eviction and harassment of tenants is a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. A landlord cannot evict a tenant without first obtaining a court order for possession. Changing the locks, removing belongings, cutting off utilities, or physically removing a tenant without a court order are all criminal acts. Separately, the common law right of quiet enjoyment gives tenants the right to use their home without interference from the landlord. This includes the right to at least 24 hours’ written notice before the landlord enters, except in a genuine emergency. The Housing Act 1988 (sections 27–28) also gives tenants the right to claim damages for unlawful eviction. If you are unsure about your situation, contact Shelter (0808 800 4444), Citizens Advice, or a housing solicitor.