Illegal eviction is a criminal offence. Your landlord, or anyone acting for them, cannot force you out of your home without following the correct legal process.
Only court bailiffs can legally evict you. You do not have to leave your home when your notice period ends, and your landlord cannot evict you without a court order.
What counts as an illegal eviction
Your landlord has no right to harass you or pressure you to leave. It is an illegal eviction if your landlord or letting agent:
- Forces you to leave: uses physical force, intimidation, or harassment
- Changes the locks: locks you out while you are out or without a court bailiff warrant
- Blocks access: prevents you from entering your home or using shared facilities like bathrooms or kitchens
- Cuts off utilities: deliberately disconnects or tampers with your water, gas, or electricity
- Removes your belongings: moves, dumps, or tampers with your personal property
What to do if you are being illegally evicted
In an emergency
- Call 999: if your landlord is threatening violence, forcing their way into your home, or actively trying to make you leave right now.
If you have been locked out or harassed
- Report it to the police: call 101 if an illegal eviction or harassment has already taken place. Ask for an incident reference number.
- Contact our private sector housing team: call 01843 577437 or email housing.conditions@thanet.gov.uk. A tenancy enforcement officer can speak to your landlord, help you re-enter your home, and investigate criminal offences.
- Contact our housing options team: call 01843 577901 or email housing@thanet.gov.uk if you have nowhere safe to stay tonight or need urgent emergency accommodation.
You can also read Shelter’s advice on illegal eviction rights and legal remedies