What should I do if I am unlawfully evicted?

Unlawful eviction occurs when a landlord removes a tenant from the property without following the correct legal process, changes the locks while the tenant is out, cuts off utilities, removes belongings, or uses threats and harassment to force the tenant to leave. This is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, regardless of any rent arrears or other issues. If you are unlawfully evicted, you should take the following steps immediately. First, contact your local council's housing department or out-of-hours emergency housing line — they have powers to investigate and in some areas can help you return to the property. Second, seek urgent legal advice, ideally from a housing solicitor, Shelter, or Citizens Advice, as you may be able to obtain an emergency injunction from the County Court requiring the landlord to allow you back into the property. The court can grant this very quickly, sometimes within hours, if you can show an urgent need. Third, gather evidence — photographs of changed locks, messages from the landlord, witnesses, and anything else that documents the eviction. You may also be entitled to claim substantial civil damages against the landlord for the unlawful eviction, which can significantly exceed the cost of your losses. Do not delay, as acting quickly greatly improves your chances of being reinstated.