Crackdown on harassment and illegal eviction of tenants

Rogue landlords who harass or illegally evict tenants are the subject of a new crackdown in Plymouth.

Plymouth City Council is working in partnership with PATH (Plymouth Access to Housing) who have appointed a dedicated Tenancy Relations Officer to tackle these issues. The project involves the investigation of allegations of illegal eviction and harassment by landlords, and will see thorough enforcement action being taken against any landlords found to be flouting the law.  

Other partners include South West Landlords Association and Devon & Cornwall Police.

Illegal Eviction, including a landlord or their agent physically denying a tenant access to their accommodation or taking a tenant’s key from them, is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.  Harassment of a tenant, including withdrawal of utilities, entering accommodation without informing the tenant and constantly contacting a tenant, is a criminal offence under the same Act. Both offences carry the possibility of a custodial sentence and a substantial fine. 

Councillor Chris Penberthy Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council said: "We are pleased to work with PATH on this important project and the officer is making great inroads into this sensitive area so far.

"The initiative forms part of our Plan For Private Rented Housing and our aim to drive up standards in the private rented sector.

"There are many excellent landlords in the private rented sector but we want to send a clear message that we will not tolerate the harassment or illegal evictions of tenants here in Plymouth.

"Tenants deserve to live happily and safely in their chosen home just as much as anyone else and we are working with our partners to ensure this happens.

“Whilst prosecution through the Courts remains an option to the local authority, the hope with this project is that such action can be avoided through the provision of informative and straightforward advice regarding these offences.   Advice is being given to both tenants and landlords, and awareness is being promoted by the provision of literature to partner agencies.”

The Tenancy Relations Officer from PATH is working together with Plymouth City Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and the South West Landlord’s Association with a view to ensuring that tenants feel safe in their own homes, and that landlords are aware of their obligations and responsibilities under the law. 

Mike Taylor, Director of PATH, said: “Many thousands of people live happily in private rented accommodation in Plymouth.  Having a Tenancy Relations Officer in the City enables us to better support those people who have a less positive experience, people facing harassment from their landlord or even being evicted illegally. That is a chance to directly address wrong-doing but also to raise awareness and understanding amongst landlords, tenants and also housing workers. 

“We at Path are pleased to be involved in that and to work with the Council, with other organisations and with the local landlords’ association in raising standards in the sector.”