Unlawful Eviction

Unlawful eviction, also known as illegal eviction, occurs when a landlord forces a tenant to leave a property without following the proper legal procedures. This can include changing locks, cutting off utilities, or physically removing tenants without a court order. Such actions are serious violations of tenant rights in the UK and can have severe consequences for landlords, including criminal charges and fines.

Understanding Illegal Eviction

In the UK, landlords are required to follow a legal process to evict tenants, which typically involves:

1. Serving Notice: Providing a written notice specifying the reason and the date by which the tenant must leave.
2. Court Order: If the tenant does not leave by the specified date, the landlord must obtain a possession order from the court.
3. Bailiff Eviction: Only court-appointed bailiffs can enforce an eviction if the tenant remains after the court order.

Any attempt to bypass this process is considered illegal. Tenants facing such actions can seek legal redress and may be entitled to compensation.