Landlord Fined £3,991.66 for Illegal Eviction

A landlord in Coventry has been ordered to pay £3,991.66 after unlawfully evicting tenants — a clear reminder that forcing a tenant out without following the legal process can cost thousands of pounds.

The landlord changed the locks while the tenants were away, preventing them from returning to their home without a valid possession order from the court.

What Happened

The landlord admitted he had received rent from the tenants less than a week before changing the locks. Despite this, he believed the tenants no longer lived at the property.

The court rejected this argument and found that the eviction had been carried out

unlawfully, in breach of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

As a result, the landlord was ordered to pay £3,991.66, including legal costs.

Why This Matters

Illegal eviction is not a minor error. It is a criminal offence and can lead to:

• Fines running into thousands of pounds

• Compensation awards to tenants

• Legal costs and enforcement action

• Serious reputational damage

As councils increase enforcement activity, landlords who take shortcuts face real financial and legal consequences.

The Legal Eviction Process

To lawfully evict a tenant, landlords must:

1. Serve the correct legal notice

2. Allow the notice period to expire

3. Obtain a possession order from the court

4. Use bailiffs to enforce the order if necessary

   
   

Any attempt to bypass this process can result in prosecution and fines.

Final Word

This case shows that trying to save time by taking matters into your own hands can end up costing far more than doing things properly from the start.

If you need support with an eviction or want to make sure you are following the correct legal process, get in contact with us.We help landlords and letting agents handle evictions lawfully, efficiently, and without unnecessary risk.

Taking the right steps early can save you time, money, and stress.