Illegal eviction - advice
Is the landlord trying to evict you without a court order?
An illegal eviction is when a landlord forces a tenant to leave without the presence of court bailiffs.
A landlord must follow these three steps before the tenant can be evicted:
- Issue a valid notice to quit.
- Get an order for possession from the court.
- Get a notice of eviction/bailiff appointment.
Acts of illegal eviction include:
- Changing locks when you are out
- Being physically thrown out of all or part of your home
- Physically stopping you from entering your home.
There are some exceptions to these rules. The most common exceptions are you:
- Share your accommodation with your landlord/landlady, who occupies the property as his/her only or principle home
- Do not pay any rent
- Are occupying interim accommodation provide by a local authority
- Are occupying a hostel.