What should I do if I am unlawfully evicted?

Unlawful eviction is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. It occurs when a landlord (or someone acting for them) deprives you of occupation of your home without a court order. Common examples include changing the locks, removing your belongings, physically removing you, or cutting off utilities to force you out.

Your immediate steps are: (1) Call 999 if there is any physical threat, or 101 to report the criminal offence to the police. While police are not always proactive, recording the offence is important. (2) Contact your local council's housing team or out-of-hours emergency line. Local authorities have tenancy relations officers who can act urgently. (3) Contact a housing solicitor or the local law centre — emergency injunctions to restore occupation can be obtained within hours from the county court.

The civil remedies are powerful. You can apply for an injunction requiring reinstatement to the property. You can also claim damages under section 27 of the Housing Act 1988, assessed as the difference between the value of the landlord's interest with and without the tenancy — this can be very substantial and often exceeds several months' rent.

The landlord also faces criminal prosecution by the local authority under the 1977 Act, with penalties of up to two years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine.

Keep all evidence: photographs of changed locks or removed belongings, texts or voicemails from the landlord, a diary of events. Do not attempt to re-enter yourself without legal advice, even though you are technically entitled to do so.