england-and-wales tenant eviction injunctions
Is it legal to break into a property from which you are unlawfully evicted by the landlord while they are currently inside if you don’t threaten/harm?
<p>The landlady gave no formal notices or court processes to end my lease or repossess the property. I was out of the property at the gym for less than 2 hours, and returned to find she had hired a locksmith to drill through the lock in the door. There was no notices served at all, much less court proceedings. I am intending to obtain an emergency injunction when the courts open, but even if I don’t do that or before I do that, is it okay to do exactly the same if she is in the property and objecting to that? I mean to hire a locksmith to break the lock and change it while she is still inside?</p>

<p>According to the charity <a href="https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/possession_and_eviction/illegal_eviction_and_harassment/what_is_illegal_eviction#title-3" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Shelter</a>, this is a bit of a grey area and you would be best advised having local government or the police present before you try to regain entry, in order to avoid being charged wth criminal damage:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If the occupier decides to try to regain occupation, it is advisable for to have a tenancy relations officer and/or the police in attendance, so as to provide assistance in case of a confrontation with the landlord.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Illegal or improper actions on the part of the landlord do not give you the right to reciprocate with your own illegal actions.  The property is not yours and you have been evicted.  To break in would likely be a crime just about anywhere.</p>
<p>You may have some legal recourse if the landlord acted illegally or unilaterally broke the terms of your lease.</p>
<p>Your best choice is to consult a local attorney who is familiar with rental properties, leases, and evictions.</p>
