3 minute read

When Eviction Goes Wrong: Why Landlords Must Follow the Right Process

The £22,000 Mistake

A London landlord recently lost £17,000 in unpaid rent — and was ordered to pay the tenant £5,000 in compensation. That’s £22,000 gone… not because the tenant was blameless, but because the eviction process wasn’t followed properly.

This wasn’t a story of neglectful management. The landlord was simply desperate. But in the eyes of the court, desperation is no excuse for skipping legal steps.

Here’s what happened — and why every landlord should take note.

What Actually Went Wrong?

The landlord had been chasing rent arrears for months. The tenant, who had lost her job and stopped paying rent, owed more than £17,000.

Feeling backed into a corner, the landlord cut off the electricity and changed the locks. The tenant claimed harassment. The judge agreed.

Despite the arrears, the landlord was ordered to repay £5,000 due to the illegal eviction and poor property conditions — including mice, faulty electrics, and a missing licence.

This isn’t a one-off horror story. With rent reforms underway and tenant rights expanding, we’ll be seeing more of these cases.

The Lesson: Don’t Let Emotion Drive Your Decisions

If you’re a landlord dealing with rent arrears, difficult tenants or long delays in regaining possession, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But here’s the truth:
Acting emotionally can cost you thousands.
Acting lawfully protects your investment.

The right way to evict is structured and clear:

• Always serve proper legal notice (e.g. Section 8 or 21)

• Keep your paperwork (EPC, How to Rent, gas safety, deposit protection)

• Maintain the property to a habitable standard

• Never take self-help steps like changing locks or cutting off utilities

Struggling? You’re Not Alone — And Help Is Here

At VA, I’ve supported landlords through every kind of tenant dispute. The key is spotting issues early, staying compliant, and acting with the right guidance.

Whether it’s a tenant who’s fallen into arrears, one who’s refusing to leave, or a property that needs reviewing before you serve notice — you don’t have to figure it out alone.

✅ Book a 15-minute compliance check with me
✅ Review your rent with our free Deal Calculator
✅ Or simply reply to this post and let me know what’s going on

Final Thought: Compliance = Confidence

Landlords — let’s keep things clean, compliant, and calm. Your property is an investment, not a battleground. Get support, follow the law, and make decisions with confidence — not panic.

Want help reviewing your tenancy or eviction plans?

Get in touch with me here.

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