My landlord switched off my electricity or gas — is this illegal?

Direct answer

Yes. Disconnecting electricity, gas, water, or other utilities with the intent to make you leave is harassment under PEA 1977 s.1 — a criminal offence — and engages illegal eviction provisions. Damages can be substantial.

Related guidance inside this topic

• If your next step turns on legacy Section 21 notice rules, read Section 21 notice validity outcome guides.
• For the dates, forms, and evidence behind legacy Section 21 notice rules, see legacy Section 21 checker before you respond.
• If this issue overlaps with section 13 rent increase rules, check rent increase checker to compare the legal tests.
• For a fuller breakdown of landlord repair duties, use housing repairs checker for the underlying rule set.
• If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with Section 21 abolition guide so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.

Related articles

• Rent increase rules in England
  The split between pre-1 May 2026 and post-1 May 2026 section 13 rules, including Form 4, Form 4A, notice periods, and tribunal rights.
• Tenant rights in England: complete guide
  The main overview page linking eviction, repairs, deposit protection, rent increases, and illegal eviction rights together.
• Renter questions answered
  Plain-English answers to the most-asked questions from private renters in England — eviction, deposits, rent increases, repairs, illegal eviction, and pets.
• Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
  The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026.
• Renters' Rights Act 2026: complete guide
  The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes.