Illegal eviction, what can I claim for?

CrazyHorse99

When I was remanded into custody, a new landlord took over my property, and illegally evicted me by changing the locks without notice and disposed of all my property. They claimed they didn't know how to contact me despite having my NOK details and knowing I was in custody, I had an email sent of by behalf demonstrating my intention to return to the property.

I wanted to ask what compensation can I claim for in the county court?

My property is obviously one thing, but as a result of not having a place to stay when I was released from court on a community order, I had additional accommodation costs as a result of the eviction including having to stay in a hotel. Can I claim for this as well? Are there other damages that can be awarded as a result of an illegal eviction?

caprikid1

Hi, was the rent and bills being paid and up to date ?

CrazyHorse99

Sorry I should have mentioned this, but what happened is that a new landlord took over the property and this new landlord didn't give me their details so I could pay the rent. It was up to date with the previous landlord.

elsien

Did you have anyone checking the property and your post while you were in custody?

CrazyHorse99

No because I'd been locked out by a crazy housemate, but they were sending me me emails so they clearly considered my tenancy active.

I had informed my previous landlord that I was on remand, so I had informed the landlord that I would be absent for over 28 days as per the tenancy agreement.

bazdvd

how many weeks rent did you owe when he got rid of your belongings and changed the locks?

TroubledTarts

The cheapest way for you to challenge a landlord over this is to list down all expenses you incurred because of being illegally evicted, the cost of all your possessions (be realistic with prices of things here) and put in a money claim online.

Be factual and realistic and avoid an expensive solicitor.

Have you got a signed tenancy to support your evidence?

CrazyHorse99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82070748#Comment_82070748

4 to 6 weeks I think. I'm still waiting for exact dates on things.

CrazyHorse99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82070863#Comment_82070863

Yeah I don't intend to get a solicitor it's what £20 for a county court claim with help for court costs?

I have a signed tenancy agreement yes, and receipts for my property etc to evidence what items were in there?

What happens with my deposit, would it automatically have been registered under the new landlord?

silvercar

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82070741#Comment_82070741

Does your tenancy agreement require you to nto be absent for 28 days or to inform the landlord if you are going to be absent that long? If the former you are in breach of the tenancy agreement.

Is a landlord required to serve papers/ notice to anywhere other than the rented property? (I really don't know). If you are in custody for any length of time, you can't also be resident in the property, so it may be that the landlord is obliged to keep your personal property safe, but that is it.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82070868#Comment_82070868

You must know when you stopped paying rent.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82070741#Comment_82070741

No because I'd been locked out by a crazy housemate…

Would you be able to prove the landlord disposed of your property (e.g. they admitted it in writing) vs them claiming the 'crazy housemate' may have stolen or disposed of it?