Landlord Harassment Tenant Rights UK - What Tenants Can Do

Landlord harassment tenant rights UK explained - understand what counts as harassment, unlawful eviction, repeated unwanted access, threats, withheld repairs and what tenants can do when a landlord crosses the line.

What is landlord harassment in the UK?

Landlord harassment generally involves behaviour intended to pressure a tenant, make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable in their home, or force them to leave without following the correct legal process.

In England, landlord harassment and illegal eviction are criminal offences. Government guidance gives examples including threats, physical violence, changing locks, interfering with essential services, opening a tenant's post and deliberately refusing necessary repairs.

Harassment can also involve repeated behaviour rather than one isolated incident.

Examples of landlord harassment

A landlord may potentially be harassing a tenant if they:

• Repeatedly enter the property without proper arrangements

• Threaten to change the locks

• Threaten or intimidate the tenant

• Use abusive or aggressive behaviour

• Shut off essential services to pressure the tenant

• Deliberately withhold necessary repairs

• Open or interfere with the tenant's post

• Send repeated threatening messages

• Arrange other people to intimidate or disturb the tenant

• Try to force the tenant out without following the legal eviction process

The circumstances matter, particularly where the behaviour appears designed to make the tenant leave.

Can a landlord harass a tenant to make them leave?

No. A landlord cannot simply pressure a tenant into leaving because they want the property back.

For most private assured periodic tenancies in England, landlords must have a lawful ground for possession, serve the appropriate notice and follow the court process if the tenant does not leave. Section 21 no-fault evictions are no longer available for new proceedings from 1 May 2026.

Trying to bypass that process by intimidating the tenant can potentially amount to harassment or illegal eviction.

Is threatening to change the locks landlord harassment?

It can be.

A landlord should not use threats to change the locks as a way of forcing a tenant out of an occupied property. GOV.UK specifically identifies threatening to change the locks as an example of landlord harassment.

If a landlord believes a tenant should leave, the correct possession procedure should be followed rather than using threats or physical measures.

Can a landlord enter repeatedly to pressure a tenant?

Repeated unwanted access can become a serious tenancy issue, particularly if it is being used to intimidate the tenant or interfere with their occupation of the property.

Landlords have legitimate reasons to access properties for matters such as repairs and inspections, but access should be handled properly and reasonably. Keeping records of proposed visits, communications and any disputed entry can be important if a pattern develops.

What if the landlord refuses to make repairs?

A landlord's failure to carry out necessary repairs can sometimes form part of a wider pattern of harassment.

GOV.UK specifically lists refusing to carry out repairs among examples of behaviour that may constitute harassment.

Not every delayed repair will automatically amount to harassment. The nature of the repair, the circumstances and the landlord's conduct are important.

For landlords, maintaining a clear repairs system and responding promptly to genuine maintenance problems can help prevent ordinary property-management issues from escalating into disputes.

Can a landlord physically remove a tenant?

For an assured periodic tenancy in England, a landlord cannot simply remove a tenant because the notice period has expired.

If the tenant does not leave after a valid possession notice, the landlord generally needs to apply to court for a possession order. If possession is granted and the tenant still does not leave, the landlord can apply for a warrant so that authorised bailiffs can carry out the eviction.

Changing locks, using force or employing someone other than an authorised bailiff to remove an occupier can amount to illegal eviction.

What should a tenant do if they are being harassed?

A tenant experiencing potential landlord harassment should keep detailed records rather than relying on verbal conversations alone.

Useful evidence can include:

• Text messages and WhatsApp messages

• Emails

• Letters

• Photographs

• Doorbell or CCTV records where appropriate

• A dated record of incidents

• Witness details

• Records of repair requests

• Copies of eviction notices

• Evidence of threats or attempted lock changes

If the situation is serious or the tenant is being threatened with immediate removal, they should seek urgent housing or legal advice and contact the local council where appropriate.

GOV.UK states that councils can prosecute landlords for harassment or illegal eviction and may impose significant financial penalties.

What compensation can a tenant claim?

Depending on the circumstances, a tenant affected by harassment or illegal eviction may have potential civil remedies, including compensation.

GOV.UK also states that affected tenants may be able to apply for a rent repayment order in qualifying circumstances.

The availability and amount of any claim depends on the specific facts, so specialist housing or legal advice may be appropriate before starting proceedings.

What landlords should do to avoid harassment allegations

Landlords can reduce the risk of disputes by keeping property management professional and documented.

A sensible approach includes:

1. Communicate with tenants in writing where possible.

2. Give appropriate notice before routine property access.

3. Keep records of repairs and inspections.

4. Never use threats to force a tenant to leave.

5. Follow the correct possession procedure.

6. Use qualified contractors for repairs.

7. Keep evidence of notices and communications.

8. Escalate serious tenancy disputes through the appropriate legal channels.

For landlords managing several properties, professional property management can help separate genuine operational problems from emotionally charged tenant disputes.

How Fraser Bond can support landlords

Fraser Bond provides property management and operational support for landlords and property owners across London and the UK.

From coordinating repairs and contractors to managing tenant communications and property maintenance, structured management can help landlords deal with difficult situations professionally while maintaining appropriate records and procedures.

Where possession is genuinely required, landlords should use the correct legal route rather than attempting informal eviction or applying pressure to make a tenant leave.

Landlord harassment tenant rights UK - key takeaway

Landlord harassment is more than simply having a disagreement with a tenant. Behaviour that intimidates a tenant, interferes with their occupation or attempts to force them out without following the proper legal process can potentially amount to harassment or illegal eviction.

For landlords in England, the safest approach is to communicate professionally, document property-management issues and follow the correct possession procedure. For tenants, keeping evidence of unwanted or threatening behaviour can be important if the matter needs to be reported or challenged.

Note: The rules discussed above are focused on England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different housing and eviction laws.