Harassment by Landlords
What is harassment?
Anything done by the landlord (or someone acting on the landlord's behalf) which interferes with, or prevents you living safely and quietly in your home is harassment.
This includes:
- refusing to let you into parts of the house
- stopping you from having guests
- constant visits from the landlord without warning or at – unreasonable times of the day or night
- offering you money to leave or threatening you
- cutting of services such as gas, electricity
- racial or sexual harassment, or harassment because of your sexuality
- leaving repairs half complete
- allowing the property to fall into a bad state of repair so that it is dangerous or uncomfortable to live in
What can I do if I'm being harassed?
Harassment is a civil and criminal offence and if negotiations with your landlord fail to stop the harassment there are a number of legal remedies available.
Taking legal action:
It may be possible to get a court order (called an injunction) to force your landlord to stop the harassment. You can also ask the court to award you damages or compensation for the harassment.
You will need to show that your landlord or someone acting on his or her behalf is deliberately harassing you knowing that their activity would be likely to make you leave.
It is always advisable to first try to remedy the problem through negotiation with your landlord. If this fails and you decide to take legal action, you will need to seek legal advice.
If you feel that your landlord is harassing you and need further information and advice please speak to one of the housing advisers in E297.
Can my local council help?
Most local councils will have a tenancy relations officer who will deal with a complaint of harassment.
They have the power to prosecute your landlord (though they will need strong evidence, and keeping a record of events, plus any copies of any letters etc will be essential to a successful prosecution).
The tenancy relations officer can also apply to the court for damages on your behalf.
If the tenancy relations officer doesn't think there is enough evidence to take your landlord to court they may still be able to help you by writing a letter to your landlord and giving him an official caution.
You do not have to pay for this service.
You can contact the tenancy relations officer by ringing the switchboard of your local council.
Can I call the police?
YES. The police have a duty to protect you from violence and threats of violence.
Harassment is a criminal offence and the police have the power to warn and if necessary arrest your landlord.
It is important to report incidents of harassment. This may be useful evidence if you decide to take legal action.
Remember to take the name of the police officer that comes to your home.
