Harassment by your landlord is illegal. However, what action you take depends on your type of tenancy. You could lose your home if you complain.

Check if you are unsure about your tenancy type. Your landlord will still have to follow the correct eviction procedure. However, this could mean that your landlord only has to give you four weeks notice before taking you to court to try to evict you.

• I have a fixed term tenancy
• I have a periodic tenancy
• I have a 6 month tenancy
• Protected tenants
• Licensees

I have a fixed term tenancy

If you have a tenancy agreement your landlord can't evict you for complaining about the harassment. However, if you are near the end of your tenancy agreement your landlord can simply refuse to renew your lease. If you don't have a tenancy agreement your landlord can evict you by giving you 28 days notice.

If you have a tenancy agreement your landlord can only evict you if s/he can prove in court that you have broken the terms of the tenancy agreement. If your landlord tries to evict you without giving you 28 days notice it could be an illegal eviction. Contact a local advice agency if you think your landlord is trying to evict you illegally.

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I have a periodic tenancy

Your landlord can evict you by simply giving you 28 days notice. Your landlord doesn't need a reason to evict you.

You won't be able to stop the eviction if your landlord goes to court, so it is best if you simply leave before your landlord starts court action as you will have to pay court costs.

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I have a 6 month tenancy

If your tenancy began after 1^st April 2007 and you do not have a tenancy agreement or if there is no definite period in that agreement, a tenancy term of 6 months applies. If your landlord tries to evict you without giving you 28 days notice it could be an illegal eviction . Contact a local advice agency if you think your landlord is trying to evict you illegally.

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Protected tenants

It is easier for protected tenants to enforce their rights. Your landlord can only evict you if you are covered by one of the grounds for possession. Contact an advice agency immediately if your landlord is trying to evict you when you don't fall into one of these categories.

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Licensees

Licensees usually have no protection against harassment or eviction. Contact an advice agency immediately if you feel that your landlord is harassing you. If you are actually a tenant instead of a licensee you will have more protection.