Guides › Rent and Deposits › Landlord Changed the Locks or Evicted Me Illegally
Landlord Changed the Locks or Evicted Me Illegally
It is a crime for a landlord to harass you or remove you without following the correct process. Changing the locks, removing your belongings without a court order, or cutting off services like electricity can be illegal. Call the police if there is violence or someone is removing you now, and contact your council.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Rights
What Is Illegal
Harassment includes stopping services like electricity and threatening to change the locks. Trying to remove you or your belongings without a court order or court-appointed bailiff may be illegal. It is a crime for your landlord to harass you or remove you without the correct process; illegal eviction is a criminal offence. source
What You Can Do
Contact the police if violence or threats are involved or someone is removing you or your belongings. Talk to your local council, which can take legal action. You may have the right to be let back in, claim compensation, or apply for a rent repayment order. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Straight awayCall the police or councilIf you are being removed now
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
If you are in danger or being removed now, call the police (999 in an emergency).
Step 2 of 5
Contact your council's housing team.
Step 3 of 5
Write down what happened, with dates, and take photos.
Step 4 of 5
Get urgent advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.
Step 5 of 5
Ask about compensation or a rent repayment order.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Police
If there is violence, threats, or you are being removed.
Your Local Council
It can act against illegal eviction.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Do not give up your keys or sign anything under pressure.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/private-renting-evictions/harassment-and-illegal-evictions Checked 13 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/check_your_tenancy_deposit_is_protected/deposit_not_protected Checked 12 October 2026