Being forced to leave your home is upsetting and stressful whatever the circumstances. But if your landlord has evicted you without following the correct procedures, they may have broken the law and you may be able to take action against them.
Unlawful Eviction
In short
Being forced out of your home is distressing, whatever the circumstances — and if your landlord hasn’t followed the correct legal process to evict you, they may have broken the law, even if you’re behind on rent or in breach of your tenancy. You may be able to take action against them. Call 08082747557 for a free, confidential initial assessment.
What counts as unlawful eviction
Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, a landlord must follow a strict legal process to remove a tenant, even where the tenant is behind on rent or has broken the terms of the tenancy. That means giving the correct written notice, allowing the proper timeframe to pass, and, if the tenant doesn’t leave voluntarily, getting a court order before any eviction takes place. A landlord who changes the locks, removes your belongings, cuts off utilities, or otherwise forces you out without following this process — including before a court order has been granted — may be acting unlawfully, regardless of why they wanted you to leave.
What you can do if you’ve been unlawfully evicted
If you believe you’ve been unlawfully evicted, or you’re being threatened with an eviction that doesn’t follow the correct process, we can advise you on your rights and the options available — including seeking to be reinstated in the property, and pursuing a claim for any injury, distress, or damage to your belongings caused by the landlord’s actions.
Been locked out or forced from your home without the correct process? Call 08082747557 for urgent advice.
Understanding the correct process
For a full breakdown of the legal process a landlord must follow to lawfully regain possession of a property — including serving notice, applying to the court, and enforcement through bailiffs — see our guidance on possession and repossession proceedings. Knowing what should have happened is often the clearest way to identify where a landlord has gone wrong.
Related Services
- Understand the correct process for possession Possession and Repossession Proceedings
- Review your tenancy agreement or deposit Tenancy Agreements and Deposits
- Get general advice on a housing dispute Housing Disputes
- Resolve a dispute over a property contract Contract Disputes