A LANDLORD who changed the locks of his Coventry property while his tenants were on holiday has been prosecuted for illegally evicting them.
Wajid Hussain, the landlord of a property in Holbrooks, changed the locks to the property without obtaining a possession order in September 2023 while his tenants were on holiday.
An investigation by Coventry City Council’s Landlord and Tenant Liaison Officer discovered evidence that Hussain had received rent from the tenant less than a week before he changed the locks unlawfully.
Although Hussain stated he believed the tenants no longer lived at the property, he admitted in interview that he had received the money from the tenants and that the tenants still had belongings in the property.
At Coventry Magistrates Court, the offence of illegal eviction was proven before a district judge, with both the council officer and tenants giving evidence.
Hussain was ordered to pay just over £3,990, including the Council’s costs.
The Landlord and Tenant Liaison Officer who led the investigation praised the bravery and fortitude of the tenants who acted as witnesses through the investigation and trial.
Adrian Chowns, Head of Safer Housing and Communities, said: “This case emphasises the critical importance for landlords to adhere rigorously to proper procedures when managing tenant relations.
“The recently introduced Renters Rights Act further strengthens tenant protections, making compliance even more imperative and I hope this serves as a clear reminder to the minority of landlords that the council is steadfast in its commitment to supporting tenants and where appropriate is prepared to take decisive action to protect residents from unlawful eviction and harassment, providing tenants with the security they rightly deserve.”
Anyone who feels they are being illegally evicted or harassed by their landlord can contact the council on [email protected]
