If a landlord has changed the locks, removed your belongings, cut off utilities to force you out, or simply told you to leave without serving a valid Notice of Termination, this is illegal eviction — and it is a criminal offence in Ireland, not just a tenancy dispute.
Key Points
- A landlord cannot remove you without a valid Notice of Termination and the correct notice period
- Even after a valid notice expires, the landlord still cannot forcibly remove you themselves
- Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing belongings, cutting utilities — is a criminal offence
- Only the RTB, via a determination order, or the courts can lawfully authorise your removal if you do not leave
- You can report the matter to the Gardaí and separately apply to the RTB
What Counts as Illegal Eviction
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, a landlord must serve a valid written Notice of Termination with the correct notice period for your tenancy length. If you do not leave once that notice expires, the landlord's only lawful route is to apply to the RTB for a determination order — they cannot simply remove you themselves. Common forms of illegal eviction include:
- Changing the locks while you are out or without warning
- Removing or disposing of your belongings
- Cutting off electricity, water or heating to force you to leave
- Verbal or physical intimidation to make you leave without a valid notice
- Removing you before a served notice period has actually expired
What to Do Right Now
- Do not leave quietly. Document everything — photos of changed locks, texts or messages from the landlord, dates and times.
- Contact the Gardaí if you are actively locked out or your belongings have been removed — this is a criminal offence, not just a civil dispute.
- Write to your landlord stating clearly that no valid Notice of Termination was served (or that the notice period has not expired), and that you intend to refer the matter to the RTB.
- Refer the dispute to the RTB under Section 76 — you can seek re-entry to the dwelling and damages for an unlawful eviction.
Generate your eviction dispute letter
States clearly that no valid notice was served (or the removal was otherwise unlawful), cites the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, and puts your landlord on notice of an RTB referral · Free preview · €19 to download
Generate My Dispute LetterFrequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord change the locks without going to court?
No. A landlord cannot remove a tenant or change the locks without a valid Notice of Termination and, if you do not leave, an RTB determination order. Self-help eviction is a criminal offence under Section 58.
What should I do if I've been illegally evicted?
Contact the Gardaí, since it is a criminal matter, and separately apply to the RTB for a determination — you can seek re-entry and damages. Keep evidence of everything.
What if I never received a Notice of Termination at all?
Any attempt to remove you without a valid notice is unlawful regardless of the reason given. You remain entitled to occupy the dwelling until a valid notice and, if necessary, a determination order are in place.
Related Guides
See also: challenging an invalid eviction notice, your tenant rights on rent, deposits and eviction, and how to refer a dispute to the RTB.