What is harassment?
Harassment by a landlord or agent includes any behaviour intended to make you leave your home or give up your tenancy rights. Examples include:
- Entering your home without permission (non-emergency)
- Threats or intimidation
- Cutting off utilities (gas, electricity, water)
- Persistent late night visits
- Tampering with mail or belongings
- Discrimination based on race, gender, disability, etc
Harassment is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
What is illegal eviction?
Illegal eviction occurs when a landlord:
- Changes the locks without a court order
- Physically removes you from the property
- Evicts you without proper notice or legal process
Only court appointed bailiffs can legally evict tenants.
What should you do?
1. Stay calm and document everything
- keep a diary of incidents (dates, times, details)
- save texts, emails and letters
- take photos/videos of damage or lock changes
2. Do not move out voluntarily
- leaving may weaken your legal position
3. Contact your landlord in writing
- politely ask them to stop the behaviour and communicate only by appointment, unless it is an emergency
4. Report it to your local Council
In Cornwall, contact:
- Private Sector Housing
- By phone: 0300 1234 582
- By email: psh@cornwall.gov.uk
- You can also submit a complaint via Cornwall Councils Harassment and Illegal Eviction form.
5. Call the police
If violence or threats occur, call:
- 999 (emergency)
- 101 (non-emergency)
- Report online via Police UK
Support Agencies
Shelter
- Free housing advice and legal support
- Tel: 0808 800 444
- Guide to harassment and illegal eviction
Citizens Advice Cornwall
- help with housing, eviction, discrimination and benefits
- Tel: 0808 812 7156
- Citizens Advice Cornwall
Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS)
- 24/7 solicitor-backed support
- Legal help with injunctions, compensation and eviction defence
- TPS guide to illegal eviction
Justice for Tenants
- Free advice on deposits, disrepair and evictions
- Justice for Tenants