Illegal Eviction - What To Do
Emergency guide if your landlord changes the locks or tries to force you out without a court order.
Illegal eviction is when your landlord forces you out of your home without following proper legal procedures. This is a criminal offence and you have strong rights.
What is Illegal Eviction?
- Changing the locks while you're out
- Physically removing you from the property
- Removing your belongings
- Making the property uninhabitable to force you out
- Threatening violence to make you leave
If you come home to find your locks changed, DO NOT break in. This could complicate your legal position. Get help immediately.
Immediate Steps
- Call the police - illegal eviction is a criminal offence
- Call your council's emergency housing team (24-hour line)
- Call Shelter's helpline: 0808 800 4444
- Take photos of changed locks or any damage
- Get witness statements if possible
- Do not leave the area if safe to stay nearby
Your Council's Role
Your local council has a duty to help if you're illegally evicted. Their housing enforcement team or tenancy relations officer can:
- Contact your landlord to demand re-entry
- Accompany you back to the property
- Prosecute your landlord for illegal eviction
- Help you get an emergency court injunction
Legal Remedies
You can apply to the county court for an emergency injunction to get back into your home. You can also claim compensation for any losses, including the cost of emergency accommodation.
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