Renter Radar / Harassment or being locked out
Harassment or being locked out
Changing the locks, cutting off your gas, water or electricity, removing your things, or threatening you to make you leave are criminal offences. Get help now.
If you are in immediate danger or being locked out, call 999 now. Then call Shelter free on 0808 800 4444.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is being brought in over phases. Since 1 May 2026, section 21 "no-fault" evictions have been abolished, most tenancies are now periodic (rolling), and rent increases follow a reformed process. Some parts, like Awaab's law for private tenants, are still to come. Each point below is labelled as in force or coming. Source.
In force (long-standing law)
This is a crime
Harassment and illegal eviction are criminal offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. In almost all cases a landlord needs a court order and bailiffs to remove a tenant.
In force (long-standing law)
Call for help now
If you are in immediate danger or being locked out, call 999. For non-emergencies call 101.
Call Shelter's free emergency helpline on 0808 800 4444.
Contact your council's Tenancy Relations or Housing Options team: councils can investigate and prosecute landlords.
This is general information, not legal advice, for renters in England. For free expert help contact Shelter (0808 800 4444) or Citizens Advice.