Harassment from a landlord or agent is not usually an isolated incident. It can happen a lot and sometimes the harassment gets worse over time.

It helps to have a record of what's happened.

It can help you explain things to other people, such as the council, the police or a solicitor.

What shows evidence of harassment

Keep a record of all incidents or contact with your landlord or agent that show behaviour that could count as harassment.

Messages, emails and letters

Always keep:

• letters or notices that tell you to leave

• threatening or abusive emails and messages

• demands for rent that threaten eviction within a short period

Your account of what has happened

If your landlord, agent or anyone acting on their behalf visits your home without an appointment or comes into your home without permission, make a note of:

• the exact time and date they visited

• what they said or did

• how it made you feel

• if anyone else was there and saw what happened

Write it down as soon as you can after the incident happens. Or make a voice recording on your phone straight after so you don't forget any details.

The experiences of other tenants

If you live in a house in multiple occupation (HMO), talk to other people who live there. They may be experiencing the same problems.

It can be easier to stand up to the landlord if you act together or back each other up.

Recordings on your phone

You could film any incidents of harassment or make a recording if you feel safe to do so. For example, if you're behind a locked door or at an upstairs window.

Filming some criminal landlords may lead to their behaviour getting worse, but it can be useful evidence of what has happened.

Has your landlord broken the law before?

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