It is against the law for a landlord to make a tenant leave their home without following the correct legal process.

A landlord must:

• give the tenant the correct eviction notice
• get a court order
• use court bailiffs

If they do not do this, they cannot make a tenant leave.

What landlords must not do

Landlords must not:

• change the locks without a legal eviction
• threaten or harass tenants to make them leave
• stop tenants from getting into their home
• physically remove tenants from the property

Different rules apply if the tenant lives in the same building as their landlord and share the facilities.

What tenants can do

Tenants should call 999 straight away if their landlord is violent or threatens violence.

If there is no danger, tenants should phone our Housing Advice Team on 01622 602 440 as soon as possible. We may be able to:

• speak to landlords on behalf of the tenant
• help the tenant get back into their home
• take action for illegal eviction

Tenants may also be able to get up to two years' rent back through a Rent Repayment Order.