Private Sector Housing

Harassment and Illegal Eviction

The vast majority of landlords are responsible and fair. In the unlikely event of you experiencing trouble with your landlord, we may be able to help.

Harassment is the illegal disruption of the right of a tenant to live undisturbed in their home. It is usually done to cause the tenants to leave the property. We will take all appropriate steps necessary to stop this practice.

To be successful it is important to take action as early as possible so if this affects you please contact:

Housing Advice Team|

John Smith House

Bevan Avenue

Barking

IG11 9LL

Tel: 020 8227 2454

Or the Private Sector Housing Team at the address shown.

Our Powers under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977

Harassment and illegal eviction as defined in the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, are criminal offences.

We have a power to prosecute persons who commit offences. Our Housing Officers investigate complaints and mediate between the parties wherever possible.

We will consider bringing a prosecution where the evidence is sufficient to indicate the likelihood of a successful prosecution and where it is in the public interest.

Our Powers under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, as amended

We have powers to prosecute landlords who fail to fulfil their obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, as amended.

Such matters include the failure of landlords to provide rent books and the failure of freeholders to give long leasehold tenants information concerning service charges and insurance.

Where a complaint is received our Housing Officers will endeavour to secure that the required information is provided. However in the case of persistent failure to provide the information a prosecution will be considered.

Our Powers under S.33 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976

We have a power under S.33 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, to make arrangements to secure the restoration or continuance of gas, water or electricity supplies for the benefit of residents (usually tenants) where the supplies have been, or are likely to be, cut off because of failure by the owner of the property to pay for the services.

We will consider making such arrangements only as a last resort for emergency cases and then only when young children or elderly persons are affected.

When invoking its powers we will only make arrangements with the suppliers which do not involve financial liability falling upon us. In every case we will cooperate closely with the suppliers and wherever possible enlist the suppliers' support and assistance.

For further information on the above or any other issues you may have with your private tenancy, please use the contact details above - we may be able to offer some advice and assistance.

Contact

Private Sector Housing Team

Roycraft House

15 Linton Road

Barking

IG11 8HE

Supported by Barking and Dagenham Direct:

Tel: 020 8215 3002

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.