Property
Unlawful eviction solicitors
An unlawful eviction can happen where a landlord, agent or other person excludes an occupier from their home without following the proper legal process. This may include changing the locks, removing belongings, cutting off utilities, using threats or pressure to force someone out, or refusing re-entry after a tenant has not lawfully given up possession.
These situations are often urgent. A person may be left without access to their home, medication, documents, clothing or personal possessions. We provide practical advice on immediate steps, evidence gathering, urgent correspondence and, where required, applications to court for orders allowing re-entry or restraining further unlawful conduct.
Unlawful eviction cases can also involve claims for compensation. Damages may arise from loss of occupation, distress, interference with belongings, hotel or alternative accommodation costs, and the conduct of the landlord or those acting on their behalf.
Examples of unlawful eviction
We can advise where you have experienced or are threatened with:
- Locks being changed while you were away from the property.
- Being told you cannot return without a possession order having been obtained.
- Your belongings being removed, damaged, disposed of or held from you.
- Threats, intimidation, harassment or pressure to leave the property.
- Utilities being disconnected or access to essential facilities being restricted.
- A landlord or agent relying on an invalid notice, informal message or verbal demand as though it ends your right to occupy.
Urgent action and evidence
The early evidence in an unlawful eviction case can be crucial. Messages, photographs, videos, witness accounts, tenancy documents, proof of rent payments, police incident numbers, hotel receipts and records of attempts to regain entry can all assist. We will help you identify what should be preserved and how the factual chronology should be presented.
Where immediate return to the property is possible and appropriate, urgent correspondence may be sent to the landlord or agent. In serious cases, the court can be asked to consider urgent relief. The correct approach will depend on the risk, whether the property remains available, and whether there are safety or safeguarding concerns.
Compensation and wider losses
An unlawful eviction is not only about regaining access. The impact can be significant, particularly where someone is made homeless, has to stay in a hotel, loses access to work equipment, or suffers anxiety and distress as a result of being excluded from their home.
We can advise on potential claims for damages, including loss of use and occupation, alternative accommodation costs, interference with goods, aggravated features and any linked housing or disrepair issues. We can also consider whether the conduct amounts to harassment or whether further protective steps are required.
Clear advice in urgent circumstances
We understand that unlawful eviction matters can feel chaotic and overwhelming. Our role is to bring structure to the problem, identify what outcome is achievable, and take prompt steps to protect your position.
If you have been excluded from your home, you should take advice as soon as possible. Delay can make practical remedies more difficult and can affect the evidence available to support your claim.