Renting & your rights · UK guide

Locked out by your landlord? That’s a crime.

Last verified 20 Jun 2026 · Source GOV.UK + Shelter + Protection from Eviction Act 1977

Your landlord cannot change the locks, throw your things out, cut off your utilities or harass you into leaving. Only court-appointed bailiffs can lawfully evict you — and illegal eviction and harassment are criminal offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Here’s what to do tonight if you’re locked out, how to get back in, and how to claim compensation.

999It’s a crime — call police
Court onlyEviction needs bailiffs
Up to 12 monthsRent back via RRO
£0Free help from Shelter
What to do right now → I need help tonight

What counts as illegal eviction & harassment

For almost all tenants (and many lodgers with a tenancy), a landlord must follow a legal process — proper notice, then a court order, then county court bailiffs — to evict you. Anything that skips that is unlawful. Examples:

  • Changing the locks or otherwise stopping you getting in;
  • Physically removing you or your belongings, or threatening to;
  • Cutting off gas, electricity or water to force you out;
  • Removing the front door, windows or your possessions;
  • Entering without permission, or letting themselves in repeatedly;
  • Threats, abuse or intimidation, or stopping you using shared kitchens/bathrooms.
This is criminal — not just “a dispute”

Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, illegal eviction and harassment are criminal offences. A landlord convicted faces up to 6 months in prison and a fine in the magistrates’ court, or up to 2 years and an unlimited fine in the Crown Court. The police and your council can act.

What to do right now

  1. Call the police. If you’re being locked out or forced out as it happens, dial 999 (or 101 if not an emergency). Tell them it’s an illegal eviction — a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
  2. Contact your council. Ask for the Tenancy Relations Officer or housing team — they investigate harassment and illegal eviction and can intervene fast, and prosecute.
  3. Get free emergency advice. Shelter (0808 800 4444) can advise you the same day and help you get back in.
  4. Save the evidence. Photograph changed locks or damage, keep every text/email, note dates, times and any witnesses.
If you’ve nowhere to stay tonight

Your council has a duty to help if you’re homeless or at risk tonight — see our homeless help guide and help tonight page. You can also call Shelter’s emergency line on 0808 800 4444.

Getting back in & compensation

RemedyWhat it does
InjunctionAn emergency court order that can force the landlord to let you back in and stop the harassment — often obtainable quickly. Shelter or a housing solicitor can help (legal aid may be available).
DamagesYou can claim compensation through the courts for being unlawfully evicted or harassed — sometimes substantial.
Rent Repayment OrderA tribunal can order the landlord to repay up to 12 months’ rent where they’ve committed an offence such as illegal eviction.
ProsecutionThe council or police can prosecute — leading to a fine or prison for the landlord.

You don’t have to choose just one — for example, you can be let back in by injunction and claim damages. Excluded occupiers (e.g. some lodgers who share with the landlord) have fewer protections, so get advice on your exact situation.

Do this now
  1. Call 999 if it’s happening now — say “illegal eviction, a criminal offence”.
  2. Ring your council’s Tenancy Relations / housing team and Shelter on 0808 800 4444.
  3. Photograph everything and keep all messages — it’s your evidence to get back in and claim.

Free help: Shelter 0808 800 4444 · your council’s housing team · Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848 · Police 999/101. This is general information, not legal advice.

Source verification Primary sources: GOV.UK (private renting evictions — harassment and illegal evictions), Shelter (what is illegal eviction), and the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Last verified 20 June 2026. Confidence: High — for most tenants only court-appointed bailiffs can lawfully evict; changing locks, removing belongings, cutting utilities, or harassment are criminal offences; remedies include an emergency injunction to get back in, damages, and a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months’ rent; penalties are up to 6 months and a fine (magistrates) or 2 years and an unlimited fine (Crown Court). Excluded occupiers (e.g. some lodgers sharing with the landlord) have fewer protections. England/Wales framework; Scotland and NI have their own laws. SortedUK is independent — not a government service or a law firm, and this is general information, not legal advice.

Illegal eviction — common questions

My landlord says I have to leave today — is that legal?

Almost never. Even after a valid notice, a landlord must get a court order and have bailiffs carry out the eviction. Being told to leave “today” or being locked out is illegal eviction — call the police and your council.

The police said it's a “civil matter” — what now?

Illegal eviction is a criminal offence, but some officers wrongly treat it as civil. Politely refer them to the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, and contact your council’s Tenancy Relations Officer and Shelter, who deal with this regularly and can press for action.

Can the landlord remove my belongings?

No. Removing or withholding your possessions is part of illegal eviction/harassment. Photograph everything, report it, and raise it in any claim for damages.

I'm a lodger living with my landlord — am I protected?

Lodgers who share living space with their landlord are usually “excluded occupiers” with fewer protections, but the landlord still can’t use or threaten violence and must give reasonable notice. Get advice on your exact arrangement from Shelter or Citizens Advice.

A locked door isn’t the end — the law is on your side.

Call the police, ring your council and Shelter, and save your evidence. Want help knowing exactly what to say?

Ask Sorted to help → Homeless help