Harassment is behaviour that threatens or upsets you, especially if it keeps happening.

Landlord or letting agent harassment can include:

• violent or threatening language or behaviour

• coming into your home without permission

• opening or keeping your post

• pressuring you to move out

• cutting off gas, water or electricity

• removing or interfering with your belongings

• demanding money that you do not owe or cannot pay

Threats to evict you

Your landlord must take 3 steps to evict you:

• give you a valid eviction notice

• ask a court for an eviction order if you stay after the notice ends

• ask bailiffs to evict you if you stay past the date on the court order

Each step takes time.

You do not have to leave until the final step, when bailiffs come to evict you.

Harassment is a criminal offence

It's a criminal offence if a landlord or agent knows their behaviour is likely to make you either:

• give up your tenancy rights

• leave the property before you have to

It can count as harassment if someone else harasses you for your landlord.

You have fewer rights if you are a lodger.

Keep evidence

Evidence can help you prove the harassment to the council, the police or a solicitor.

Always keep:

• letters, notices or messages that tell you to leave

• threatening or abusive emails and messages

• demands for rent that threaten you with eviction

• details of people who see the harassment, like family or friends

Speak to other tenants

If you live in a shared home, talk to other people there. It can be easier to deal with the landlord together.

Check the rogue landlord database

If you live in London,  you can use the rogue landlord and agent checker to see if your landlord has been prosecuted or fined for housing offences.

Add this to your evidence to show the council or police.