Facing an eviction is stressful, especially when it happens without warning or legal notice. Many tenants don’t realise that an illegal eviction isn’t just unfair—it may be against the law, and you might be entitled to compensation. Knowing your rights around compensation for evicted tenants is essential.
At Housing Disrepair Experts, we understand how confusing and upsetting this process can be. That’s why we’ve put together this clear and helpful guide for 2025.
In this article, we’ll explain what illegal eviction looks like, how much compensation you may be owed, what steps to take, and how we can help you through every stage of the process.
Table of Contents
What Counts as an Illegal Eviction in 2025?
Illegal evictions are more common than you might think—and many tenants don’t even know their rights were violated.
An eviction is illegal if:
- Your landlord locks you out without a court order.
- They remove your belongings without permission.
- They use threats or force to make you leave.
- They change the locks while you’re away.
Even under legal grounds such as a Section 21 notice, the eviction process must go through proper court channels—skipping them could still be considered illegal.
Compensation for Evicted Tenants: What Can You Claim?
When you’ve been illegally evicted, you’re not just entitled to return home—you may also be entitled to compensation for several types of harm.
You could claim for:
- Broken tenancy agreement
- Damage to your belongings
- Temporary housing costs
- Emotional distress
- Physical harm or harassment
Common Eviction Scenarios and Compensation
| Situation | Type of Compensation | Estimated Value |
| Locked out without warning | Breach of contract | £1,000 – £5,000 |
| Personal items thrown away or damaged | Property loss | Cost of replacement |
| The landlord used threats or violence | Emotional/physical distress | Case-specific |
| Homelessness caused by eviction | Disruption and distress | £3,000 – £10,000+ |
Estimates are based on real case outcomes such as those reported by Osbornes Law (£22,000 case), Broudie Jackson Canter (£11,800 case), and typical awards outlined by Shelter UK.
The more serious the landlord’s behaviour, the higher the compensation you may receive.
Read more: Tenant Compensation for Inconvenience UK: Maximise Your Housing Disrepair Rights
How to Get Back into Your Home: Emergency Injunctions
If you’ve been evicted illegally, the first step may be getting back into your home. This is where an emergency injunction helps.
What’s an Injunction?
It’s a court order that tells your landlord to:
- Let you back into your home
- Stop any ongoing harassment
How to Apply
- Use form N16A to apply.
- Submit a written statement explaining:
- Where did you live and when
- What your landlord did
- What happened to your belongings
- Why do you need emergency help
In urgent cases, courts can issue “without notice” injunctions the same day, meaning your landlord won’t be informed before the order is made.
How Much Compensation Can Tenants Get for Unlawful Eviction?
The compensation you get depends on a few factors:
- Type of tenancy (e.g., assured shorthold or secure tenancy)
- Landlord’s behaviour (e.g., threats, physical harm)
- Impact on your daily life
- Loss or damage to personal items
Note: If a landlord genuinely believed you moved out voluntarily, the court may not award full compensation.
Read more: Check a Tenant’s Right to Rent – Ultimate Guide
What’s the Process to Claim Damages from a Landlord?
Claiming damages might sound difficult, but with the right help, it’s manageable. Here’s how the process works:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get legal advice (from Housing Disrepair Experts or Legal Aid)
- Gather your evidence (photos, texts, witness statements)
- Complete and file form N1 with the court
- Attend your court hearing
- Wait for a decision
- Get your compensation
Court Fees
- Most people must pay a court fee to apply.
- If you’re on a low income or benefits, you may not have to pay.
- Check if you qualify for a fee waiver through the Help with Fees scheme (EX160).
- You can also ask the court to reimburse your landlord for your court costs if you win.
What Does “No Win, No Fee” Mean?
This means you don’t pay your solicitor unless your claim is successful.
At Housing Disrepair Experts, we offer no-win, no-fee options to make sure you’re never out of pocket. You get expert support, and if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us a penny.
Read more: What is a No Win No Fee Agreement, and How Does It Work?
Notable Case Studies
1. Miss L’s Unlawful Eviction
- Summary: Miss L was unlawfully evicted when her landlord changed the locks without a court order, denying her access to her home for four months.
- Outcome: The landlord agreed to pay £11,800 in damages.
- Source: Broudie Jackson Canter Case Study
2. Family Awarded £22,000 for Illegal Eviction
- Summary: A young couple with a child returned from holiday to find they had been illegally evicted, with their belongings removed and the locks changed.
- Outcome: The court awarded them £22,000 in damages.
- Source: Wikipedia
3. Housing Association Ordered to Pay Over £145,000
- Summary: A social landlord unlawfully evicted a tenant, Mr. Khan, by treating his tenancy as surrendered without proper legal procedures.
- Outcome: The court ordered the landlord to pay over £145,000 in damages.
- Source: Weightmans News Article
4. Landlord Fined £7,000 for Illegal Eviction
- Summary: A landlord illegally evicted a 19-year-old tenant, leading to a court case.
- Outcome: The landlord was ordered to pay over £7,000 in compensation.
- Source: Landlords Guild Article
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Experts?
✔ Over 40 years of experience
✔ Experts in Bradford housing law
✔ Proven track record of successful tenant claims
✔ Transparent fee structure
✔ Personal, respectful, and non-judgmental advice
💬 Client Testimonials
“They were quick to respond and handled my case with the utmost professionalism. I was living in terrible conditions, but they fought for me and won my compensation claim.”
– Alice O’Connell
“This service was a lifesaver! They helped me claim compensation and got the repairs moving fast. Couldn’t be happier.”
– Sarah Jenkins
FAQs
Conclusion
It’s never okay for a landlord to lock you out, throw away your things, or force you to leave without proper notice. If this has happened to you, know this: you have rights, and you may be entitled to compensation for evicted tenants or an emergency injunction to return home.
At Housing Disrepair Experts, we’ve helped many of tenants stand up to illegal evictions and claim the justice they deserve. Whether you need help today or just have questions, our door is always open.
Reach out to us!
Housing Disrepair Experts
Listerhills Science Park, Unit 3 Campus Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1HR
📞 Mobile: 01274 044262
📞 Hotline: 0333 777 5001
📧 Email: enquiries@housingdisrepairexperts.co.uk
