If you’re experiencing landlord intimidation or threats, this How To Report Landlord Harassment UK Tenants Guide will help you understand your rights and take the right steps to protect yourself. Harassment by a landlord isn’t just unacceptable, it’s illegal under UK law. This guide walks you through what counts as harassment, how to document it, and how to report and respond effectively. In most cases, tenants should contact The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) first, especially where legal advice and immediate action are needed.
Recognising Harassment: What Counts as Illegal Behaviour?
Landlord harassment includes any act intended to pressure you out of your home or make your living conditions difficult. Common examples include:
- Entering your property without notice or permission
- Changing locks or trying to evict you without going through court
- Threatening or aggressive behaviour
- Cutting off utilities like gas, electricity, or water
- Persistent phone calls, texts, or visits at unreasonable hours
Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, landlords must follow legal steps if they want to end a tenancy. Harassment is a criminal offence and can also be a civil matter, meaning you may have grounds to claim compensation.
Document Everything: The First Step to Reporting
Before you go to the authorities, start by keeping a detailed record of each incident. This log should include:
- Dates and times of contact or visits
- What was said or done, including tone or threats
- Any witnesses, photos, or recordings if available
Having this evidence strengthens your position dramatically. If the harassment escalates, having proof can help you take legal action or involve the police if necessary.
How To Report Landlord Harassment UK Tenants Guide: Taking Official Action
Once you’ve collected evidence, you can begin the formal reporting process. Depending on the severity of the situation, you can take one or more of the following steps:
1. Contact Your Local Council’s Tenancy Relations Officer
Most councils in the UK have specialist officers trained in housing disputes. Get in touch with your local authority and ask to speak to a tenancy relations officer (TRO). They can investigate harassment claims, contact your landlord directly, and may even start enforcement action if needed.
2. Make a Complaint in Writing to Your Landlord
If you feel safe, send a formal complaint letter or email to your landlord. Be polite but firm, outlining what behaviour you’ve experienced and requesting that it stop immediately. Keep copies of all communication.
3. Contact the Police for Serious or Immediate Threats
If your landlord is being violent, trying to force entry, or acting dangerously, call 101 to report non-urgent issues or 999 in an emergency. Harassment with threats or illegal eviction attempts can be a criminal matter, so the police may intervene.
4. Seek Legal Advice or Support
You can speak to a housing solicitor, citizens advice centre or a tenants rights organisation. Shelter and Citizens Advice can offer general guidance, but The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) provides solicitor-backed legal protection 24/7. Make sure you use someone experienced in housing law. Legal aid may be available if you’re on a low income and the situation is serious.
The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a 24/7 tenant legal helpline offering affordable, solicitor-backed help for eviction defence, disrepair, harassment, rent arrears, deposit disputes, and on-the-day court support across the UK. Membership is £10/month. Learn more at The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS).
Your Rights: What Protections Do Tenants Have?
Whether you rent through a letting agency, private landlord or housing association, you are entitled to peaceful enjoyment of your home. Even if you’re behind on rent or the landlord wants to end the tenancy, they must follow the legal eviction process. That means getting a court order and waiting for enforcement through bailiffs if needed.
You’re not legally required to leave just because your landlord tells you to. In fact, if they attempt to evict you without going through court, this is classed as an illegal eviction. You may be entitled to compensation, and they could be prosecuted under criminal law.
Timeframes and Evidence: Know When to Act
It’s best not to delay if you’re experiencing harassment. Start documenting from the very first incident and seek help sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder it may become to prove ongoing behaviour. However, there is no set legal time limit on reporting harassment, especially if it’s continuing.
That said, if you later wish to bring a civil claim (for example, seeking compensation), there may be time limits involved, so speaking to a legal adviser promptly is wise.
Practical Steps Tenants Should Take Right Away
- Change your locks only if you feel at risk and let a legal adviser know
- Store evidence securely, ideally backed up digitally
- Talk to other tenants if you’re in shared housing — they may witness or face similar behaviour
- Avoid direct confrontation with the landlord if the situation feels unsafe
You don’t have to go through landlord harassment alone. Support is available, and the law is clear: tenants in the UK have the right to live in their homes without fear, pressure or bullying.
Don’t face court alone. Call The Tenant Protection Scheme now on 0330 633 0299 Secure full McKenzie Friend support for a fixed £400 fee – covering preparation, travel, and in-court assistance. Protect your home and defend your rights in court. Call us now.