What is a backdoor eviction?

Since the Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, some landlords will look for alternative ways to remove tenants without proving a legal ground in court. These tactics don't involve a formal eviction notice or court proceedings. Instead, they make your life difficult enough that you feel you have no choice but to leave.

Common backdoor eviction tactics include:

• proposing an unreasonable rent increase through the Section 13 process, knowing you'll leave rather than pay),
• deliberately neglecting repairs to make the property unlivable (disrepair),
• repeatedly entering the property without permission,
• withdrawing services or refusing to deal with maintenance issues, and
• creating a hostile or uncomfortable environment through persistent low-level interference (landlord harassment).

The Renters' Rights Act provides several protections against these tactics. Rent increases can only happen once per year through the formal Section 13 process, and you can challenge any increase at the First-tier Tribunal. Retaliatory eviction is prohibited, and harassment and illegal eviction are criminal offences. Tenants also have the right to quiet enjoyment, which is implied into every tenancy.

If you believe your landlord is trying to force you out through any of these methods, don't simply leave. Document everything, seek advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice, and report the behaviour to your local council's tenancy relations officer.