Your location: Harassment from your landlord
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England
Some landlords try and force their tenants to move out by causing problems for them. If your landlord is causing you problems, they may be guilty of harassment, which is a criminal offence.
What is harassment?
If you think that your landlord is making life difficult for you in order to force you to give up some or all of your home, this could be harassment. Your landlord may be harassing you if they:
- threaten or intimidate you in any way
- come round to your home without warning or without asking your permission
- disturb you by making lots of noise or coming round late at night
- interfere with your post
- cut off your gas, electricity or water supply
- insist that you sign agreements that reduce your rights
- start repair work in your home but leave it unfinished.
If your landlord wants you to move out, they must use the proper eviction procedures. If your landlord does not use the proper procedures or simply changes the locks while you are out, this is an illegal eviction.
What can be done to stop harassment?
Harassment does not have to be obvious or intentional before you can do something about it. First of all, if you can, try talking to your landlord about the situation. They may not realise that what they are doing is upsetting you or making your life difficult, or there may be a good explanation for their behaviour (for example, disruptions to your electricity supply may be caused by power cuts, or repair work may have been left undone due to a problems with the builder).
Make sure you have someone with you for support and as a witness whenever you see your landlord.
You can also:
- keep a diary, notes and photographs of what happens
- ask your landlord to put all communication with you in writing
- write to your landlord saying that if the harassment continues you will take legal action.
If you're having problems with your gas, electricity or water supply (for example, because your landlord hasn't paid the bill and you've been cut off), you should contact the suppliers.
The section on repairs has more information on what you can do if your landlord is refusing to carry out repairs, or starting repair work then leaving it unfinished. You may be able to get help from the council, or even take your landlord to court.
Can an advice agency help?
If you think that your landlord is harassing you, you can talk this over with someone at a housing aid centre, a Citizens Advice Bureau or a local advice agency. You can find contact details in the Advice Services Directory. An adviser will be able to help you decide what your best course of action is. If you're a student, you should also be able to get help from your Students' Association or accommodation office.
Can the council help?
If your landlord is harassing you, you may be able to get help from your local council's private renting team or housing advice centre. Contact the council or visit their website to find out more.
Can the police help?
If your landlord continues to harass you, this is a criminal offence and should be reported to the police. Unfortunately the police are often not aware of landlord and tenant law, so if possible get a letter from an adviser stating what your rights are before you contact the police.
If your landlord is violent or abusive, contact the police immediately by calling your local station or dialling 999 in an emergency.
Can I take legal action?
If the harassment continues or you are forced to move out, you may be able to take legal action. An adviser will be able to tell you if this is possible. Legal action could include:
- getting a court order to stop your landlord from harassing you
- getting a court order to allow you back into the property
- claiming compensation from your landlord.
If your landlord does not stick to a court order they can be fined or even imprisoned.
What if my landlord's harassing me because of my sex, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity?
The section on discrimination and harassment looks at your options in this situation.
What will happen if I complain or take action?
Before you take any action, think about how easily your landlord may be able to evict you, and whether it's worth risking eviction by making a complaint. Bear in mind that some private tenants can be evicted fairly easily. For example, if your landlord has the right to evict you without a reason, you may need to think carefully about what to do. This is the case for people who share accommodation with their landlord and short assured tenants nearing the end of their leases.
If your landlord has been entering your home without warning or trying to get you to sign an agreement that reduces your rights, it may be that they are not aware that this is against the law. Once you tell your landlord this, the harassment may stop.
However, if you are a private tenant and your landlord has been harassing you because they want you to move out, they could still take action to have you evicted by following the proper procedures.
