Landlord harassment and illegal evictions

Court proceedings for eviction from privately rented housing

You’ll know your landlord is taking you to court to evict you because you’ll be sent court papers, including:

  • copies of 'claim for possession' forms
  • a defence form
  • a date for your court hearing

The defence form is your chance to say why you have rent arrears and if you disagree with what your landlord put on the ‘claim for possession’ forms. You need to return it within 14 days. 

You may have to pay extra court fees if you don’t provide information in the defence form and this results in a delay to your court case.

If you don’t attend your court hearing, it’s very likely the judge will decide you’ll lose your home.

Find out how to prepare for the court hearing or read about the court where your case is being heard.

If the judge dismisses the case, you can stay in your home. If the landlord wants to evict you, they’ll have to restart the court process from the beginning. Dismissals will usually happen if:

  • your landlord hasn’t followed the correct procedure
  • your landlord or their representative doesn’t attend the hearing
  • you’ve paid any rent arrears

You could also contact a legal adviser, get help from Citizens Advice or ask Shelter for help.

Even if your landlord’s property is repossessed by their mortgage lender, the lender must give you a notice period so you can find other accommodation. Citizens Advice has information on repossession by your landlord’s mortgage lender.

Further advice

The Department for Communities and Local Government has a detailed guide for tenants facing harassment and illegal eviction.

You can also email us: psh@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.