The Private Sector Housing Team takes a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity within the Private Rented Sector.
Illegal eviction and harassment can have a devastating impact on individuals and families and are a significant cause of homelessness. Many victims lose their home with little or no warning, causing considerable distress and disruption.
We work closely with our partners to prevent homelessness and sustain tenancies. Wherever possible, we will seek to resolve issues by providing advice, guidance and information to both tenants and landlords. We aim to ensure that:
Tenants understand their rights and protections under the law
Landlords understand their legal responsibilities and the correct process for recovering possession of a property
Disputes are resolved before they escalate to homelessness or enforcement action.
If you are at immediate risk of homelessness
The Private Sector Housing team do not operate a 24 hour response service and may not be able to intervene immediately where there is an urgent housing need.
If you have been locked out of your home, have nowhere to stay, or are at immediate risk of homelessness, you should contact the Council's Homelessness Team as soon as possible for emergency housing advice and assistance.
When we may take enforcement action
Prosecution or other formal enforcement action may be considered where:
Attempts to sustain the tenancy have failed; or
There has been no opportunity to take tenancy sustainment action; and
A tenant has been harassed or illegally evicted.
In appropriate cases, the Council may also investigate a landlord in relation to housing standards and management practices. This may include inspections or investigations of any properties they own or manage within Cornwall.
What we need from you
If you believe that your landlord is harassing you, threatening to evict you illegally, or has already done so, please contact us as soon as possible and provide as much evidence as you can.
Evidence is crucial in helping us assess your case and determine whether enforcement action is appropriate. Examples of helpful evidence includes:
Text messages, emails or letters
Voice messages or recorded conversations (where lawfully obtained)
Photographs or videos
Witness statements from neighbours, friends or family members
Copies of tenancy agreements, notices or other relevant documents
Records of incidents, including dates, times and details of what happened.
Please be aware that where allegations are based solely o verbal conversations, and there is no supporting evidence or independent witness evidence, it may be difficult for the Council to take formal action. A lack of evidence may limit our ability to investigate and progress a case.
The sooner you contact us and the more information you can provide, the better placed we will be to assess the situation and offer appropriate advice and assistance
You can contact us using this form.