If you are having problems with your landlord or tenancy, Norwich City Council may be able to help where the law has been broken or where you are at risk.
This service is for serious cases where a landlord or letting agent may be acting unlawfully.
You should contact us if:
- you believe your landlord is attempting to evict you without following the legal process
- you have been locked out of your home or prevented from accessing it
- you are experiencing harassment, threats or intimidation from your landlord or agent
- your landlord has deliberately interfered with essential services (such as heating, water or electricity)
- your landlord is repeatedly entering your home without your permission
These situations may be criminal offences and may require enforcement action.
Your tenancy rights
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now in force.
This means:
- Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions are no longer permitted
- landlords must have a legal reason to evict you
- most tenants now have periodic tenancies
- rent increases are limited and must follow a legal process
- you have the right to request permission to keep a pet
However:
- landlords can still seek possession using legal grounds
- you do not have to leave your home unless the legal process has been followed
- only court bailiffs can carry out an eviction.
Before contacting us
Please provide as much of the following information as you can to help us investigate and take action where appropriate:
- the address of the property
- your landlord or letting agent’s name and contact details
- details of what has happened, including dates and times
- copies of any messages, emails or letters from your landlord or agent
- any notices you have been given (for example eviction notices)
- photos, videos or audio recordings where it is safe to obtain them
- details of any witnesses or other people affected
- details of any additional vulnerabilities such as physical disability or mental health
This information will help us assess whether an offence may have been committed and whether we can take enforcement action.
If you feel that you need additional support, please call our customer contact team on 0344 980 3333.
How we can help
Where there is evidence that the law has been broken, we will investigate and take appropriate enforcement action.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- investigating allegations of illegal eviction or harassment as criminal offences
- requiring landlords or agents to provide information and evidence
- entering premises to gather evidence where permitted by law
- serving legal notices or taking formal enforcement action
- issuing civil penalties or prosecuting offences through the courts
- taking action to prevent further unlawful behaviour
- working with Housing Options where there is a risk of homelessness
