A landlord has been prosecuted for the unlawful eviction of a tenant from privately rented accommodation in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

Leading up to Christmas 2019, a tenant contacted Causeway Coast and Glens council stating their landlord had changed the locks and refused to provide a key to allow the tenant and their young family to access their belongings.

During the council investigation the landlord, Ivan Eakin, claimed the family had vacated the property. 

Environmental Health officials advised the landlord of the due process of law to obtain vacant possession of a property and asked that he reconsider his position and provide a key to the tenant. 

This was declined despite repeated requests.

Illegal eviction of a tenant is an offence under Article 54(1) of The Rent (NI) Order 1978 as amended by Article 60 of The Private Tenancies (NI) Order 2006.

A court has now handed down a fine of £850 and Eakin was also ordered to pay costs of £258 together with an offender levy of £15.  

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan says: “[The] council is committed to upholding the legal rights of tenants living in private rented accommodation. This prosecution sends a clear message that failing to follow due process of law when ending a tenancy will not be tolerated by the council and this court ruling reflects the seriousness of the offence of illegal eviction.”