My landlord changed the locks — what do I do?

This is an illegal eviction. Call the police now. Changing the locks to prevent you from entering your home is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, regardless of whether you owe rent or have done anything wrong.

Your landlord cannot remove you from your home without a court order and a warrant for eviction carried out by court bailiffs. There is no shortcut — not even for rent arrears. Locking you out, removing your belongings, cutting off utilities or otherwise making the property uninhabitable are all forms of illegal eviction.

Call 999 if you feel threatened, or 101 to report the illegal eviction. The police can attend and may require your landlord to let you back in. At the same time, call Shelter England's emergency housing line: 0808 800 4444.

Your council also has a duty to investigate illegal evictions. Contact the housing team at your local council and use the words "illegal eviction" — this triggers a legal obligation for them to act. You may also be entitled to claim damages from your landlord.

Do not accept any alternative accommodation, keys to a different property, or payment to leave. Accepting these could affect your legal position. Get to a phone and call Shelter England immediately — they deal with this exact situation every day.