Your question
My landlord just sent a text message to me stating he wants his 3 kids and mother to move in and gave 2 months notice. What are my rights?
Your answer
Your rights will depend on your occupation type – in particular, whether you have a tenancy or whether you are a lodger or licensee.
If you don’t know, follow our free guide here.
If you have a tenancy
Unless you move out voluntarily, your landlord must serve the proper form of notice you on and then get a Court Order for possession.
If he tries to make you leave without this, then this is harassment which is illegal under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. If he persists you may be able to claim compensation.
If you are a lodger or licensee
You will have fewer rights and they will mostly depend on what is set out in your lodger or license agreement or contract.
If you have been given a fixed-term agreement (eg for 6 months) and this has not ended yet, then in most cases your landlord is not entitled to ask you to leave until your fixed term has ended.
However, otherwise, your rights are very limited. If you are a lodger and your landlord shares living accommodation with you (eg a kitchen or lounge) he does not even need to get a Court Order.
And finally
For the moment, stay in the property and take legal advice.
Try to speak to someone or one of the organisations listed in our further advice article linked below.
Are you renting a property in Wales?
Note that all or part of this answer only applies to renters in England.
The law in Wales is now different and in some situations, renters in Wales now have extra rights. Welsh renters can get advice on Welsh law with Welsh solicitors Newbold via our Telephone Advice service.
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