Harassment of a tenant
Acts by a landlord or anyone for them that are likely to interfere with a tenant's peace or comfort, meant to make them leave or stop using their rights. A criminal offence.
In short: Harassment of a residential occupier is a criminal offence under section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. It covers acts likely to make a tenant leave or give up their rights, such as repeated unannounced visits, threats or withholding services. Councils investigate and can prosecute.
For tenantsEnding a tenancy and possession
England. Checked against the law on 5 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.
The offence covers acts likely to interfere with the peace or comfort of the occupier or their household, and persistently withdrawing or withholding services such as gas, electricity or water, when the person knows or has reason to believe it will make the occupier leave or stop exercising their rights.
Examples:
- Entering the home without notice or agreement.
- Threats, or pressure to sign something or leave.
- Cutting off utilities or holding back essential repairs to push someone out.
Landlords should give at least 24 hours' notice for visits and keep contact reasonable. Tenants can report harassment to the council's private housing team, and may apply for a rent repayment order.
Related: Illegal eviction, Rent repayment order
Where this comes from
Guides on this
Guide
Getting your property back after section 21
Without section 21, possession in England depends on the grounds in Schedule 2. The main ones a self-managing landlord uses, the notice periods, and why LevelMoves hands this to a human.
Template
Section 8 and Form 3A: what it is, and a fact sheet to take to an adviser
Form 3A is the official section 8 notice a landlord in England uses to seek possession. The grounds and the notice periods differ, and only a court can end a tenancy. We give no notice wording; this is a fact sheet to prepare before you speak to a solicitor or a landlord association.
Guide
What changed for landlords on 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act came into force in England on 1 May 2026. Section 21 is gone, every tenancy is now periodic, and rent rises follow one procedure. Here is what a self-managing landlord actually has to do differently.
Guide
What to do when a tenant stops paying rent
Rent arrears in England: check the facts, talk early, agree a plan in writing and keep records. If it cannot be solved, possession is by section 8 notice and a court order only. Never change the locks.
Related terms
Glossary
Illegal eviction
Making a tenant leave, or keeping them out, without a court order and bailiffs: changing locks, removing belongings or cutting off services. A criminal offence.
Glossary
Tenant's notice to leave
How a tenant ends a private tenancy in England: at least two months' notice in writing, ending at the end of a rent period, unless the landlord agrees to less.
Glossary
Deposit cap
The most a landlord in England can take as a tenancy deposit: five weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000, six weeks' at £50,000 or more.
Glossary
First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
The tribunal that decides many housing disputes in England: challenged rent increases, rent repayment orders, banned fees, licensing appeals and leasehold service charges.
Glossary
Fitness for human habitation
The legal requirement that a rented home is fit to live in at the start and throughout the tenancy, which tenants can enforce themselves in court.
Glossary
Form 3A
The prescribed government form for a section 8 notice seeking possession of a private assured tenancy in England, used since 1 May 2026.