28 May 2026 · 5 min read
How to report illegal eviction in England
Written by the RentingRights team, based on official GOV.UK guidance. Last reviewed: 28 May 2026.
Illegal eviction is a crime in England. If a landlord forces you out of your home without following the proper legal process, you have strong rights and several ways to get help fast. This is a plain English guide based on official GOV.UK guidance.
What counts as illegal eviction
Only a court can order you to leave, and only a court appointed bailiff or enforcement officer can carry out an eviction. Anything a landlord does to push you out without that process may be illegal. This includes changing the locks while you are out, physically removing you or your belongings, and stopping you from getting back into your home. Cutting off your gas, water, or electricity to make life unbearable also counts, as does threatening or harassing you, turning up uninvited, or making your home unsafe to live in.
What the law says
The law protects tenants from being removed without a proper court order, and it makes illegal eviction and harassment criminal offences. Your landlord must follow the correct steps, serve a valid notice, get a possession order if you do not leave, and use official enforcement. If they skip these steps, they can be prosecuted, fined, and ordered to pay you compensation.
How to report it to the council
Your local council has a team that deals with illegal eviction and harassment, often called tenancy relations or housing options. Contact them as soon as possible and explain what has happened. They can speak to your landlord, warn them that their actions are unlawful, and in serious cases bring a prosecution. If you feel unsafe or are being threatened, call the police as well, because a crime may be taking place.
How to get an emergency injunction
If you have been locked out, you can ask a court for an emergency injunction that orders your landlord to let you back into your home. These applications can be made quickly, sometimes within a day or two, and you do not always need a solicitor, although free legal help is available. Citizens Advice and Shelter can guide you through the process and may refer you to housing solicitors who can act fast.
What compensation may be available
If a court finds that you were illegally evicted, you may be entitled to damages. Compensation can reflect the disruption and distress caused and, in some cases, the financial gain the landlord made by removing you unlawfully. Keep records of everything, including dates, photographs, messages, and any costs you had to pay, because this evidence supports both a prosecution and a compensation claim. If a landlord is trying to force you out, also check whether your Section 21 notice is still valid. For more detail, see the official GOV.UK guidance on the Renters Rights Act.
If you think you are being illegally evicted and need to know your next step, get a free answer at rentingrights.co.uk, no account needed.
Disclaimer: RentingRights provides legal information only, not legal advice. This information reflects the law in England as of May 2026 and is sourced from GOV.UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Laws and guidance change, so always verify against current GOV.UK guidance before taking action. We are an independent service operated by Olivian Group Ltd and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the government. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified housing solicitor or contact Shelter on 0808 800 4444.