Illegal Eviction and Harassment

What you should do

If your landlord says you must leave or you have been locked out, or you fear violence or intimidation contact North Shropshire District Council or an Aid Centre, as soon as possible.

If your landlord or anyone on his/her behalf uses or threatens violence, call the Police and contact the Housing Options Team at North Shropshire District Council as soon as possible.

Who to Contact

In Office hours:

• Call the Police if there is any violence, threats of violence or a breach of the peace.
• Contact the Housing Options Team on the address below

North Shropshire District Council,

Edinburgh House

New Street

Wem

Shropshire SY4 5DB

Outside Office hours:

•  Call the Police if there is any violence, threats of violence or a breach of the peace
• Contact the emergency out of hours service on 01939 232771 who may be able to help with emergency accommodation, especially if you have children, or are over 60, or are ill or disabled
• Remember to contact the Housing Options Team at North Shropshire District Council as soon as possible during office hours.

Harassment & Illegal Eviction

The law protects occupiers of residential premises from being harassed or unlawfully evicted by:

•  Making unlawful eviction and some forms of harassment a criminal offence
•  Enabling someone who is unlawfully evicted or harassed to claim compensation.

Unlawful Eviction

If your landlord forces you to leave your home without following the correct legal procedure, he/she will be committing a criminal offence and may be fined or imprisoned.

Harassment

This is when your landlord deliberately makes life difficult for you to try and make you leave your home or to stop you from pursuing your legal rights.  Some examples of harassment:

• cutting off your gas, water or electricity
• threatening you or using violence to make you leave
• interfering with your possessions or mail
• forcing you to sign an agreement to reduce your rights
•  generally interfering with your peace and comfort

Never leave accommodation just because your landlord tells you to go, whatever reason he/she gives.

Never agree to go without getting advice first - you will probably have the right to remain at least until your landlord has gone through the correct procedure.

Who is protected?

Most people who pay rent for their accommodation are protected from harassment and unlawful eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act, 1977.  If you are harassed or threatened with eviction, always get advice.

For more information please contact the Housing Options Team at North Shropshire District Council on 01939 238520 who will be able to advise you further. You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or North Shropshire Homeless Action Partnership on 01939 236956 for advice.