Coventry Metropolis Council has efficiently prosecuted a landlord for illegally evicting his tenants.
Wajid Hussain, a landlord of a property in Holbrooks, Coventry modified the locks to the property on the two September 2023, while his tenants have been on vacation with out acquiring a possession order.
An investigation by the council’s landlord and tenant liaison officer found proof that Hussain had been in receipt of lease from the tenant lower than every week earlier than he modified the locks unlawfully.
Though the owner Hussain acknowledged he believed the tenants now not lived on the property he admitted in interview that he had obtained the cash from the tenants and that the tenants nonetheless had belongings within the property.
On the 30 October 2025 at Coventry Magistrates Courtroom the offence of unlawful eviction, as per the Safety from Eviction Act 1977, was confirmed earlier than a district choose with each the Council Officer and tenants giving proof.
Hussain was ordered to pay £3,991.66, together with the council’s prices.
Adrian Chowns, head of safer housing and communities, stated: “This case emphasises the essential significance for landlords to stick rigorously to correct procedures when managing tenant relations.
“The lately launched Renters Rights Act additional strengthens tenant protections, making compliance much more crucial and I hope this serves as a transparent reminder to the minority of landlords that the Council is steadfast in its dedication to supporting tenants and the place acceptable is ready to take decisive motion to guard residents from illegal eviction and harassment, offering tenants with the safety they rightly deserve.”
