The company You Are Fired Limited, owner of a property in Sheffield, United Kingdom, was convicted for repeatedly entering the rented house without the tenants' authorization and for attempting to pressure them to leave. Sheffield City Council brought the case against the company, which pleaded guilty before the court at a hearing held on October 1, 2025, for violation of British anti-eviction legislation.
The landlord's behaviors included changing the locks to prevent tenants from entering, physically blocking access to the property and prohibiting use of the living room. The city council's lawyer described the conduct as a way to "trample on tenants' rights." In addition to the problems related to the company's conduct, the dwelling also had deficiencies such as lack of heating and hot water, fire safety problems, dampness and mold.
The court ordered payment of approximately 2,268 pounds, approximately 2,643 euros, divided between a fine of approximately 960 pounds, compensation of 1,000 pounds and a court surcharge of 308 pounds. In determining the amount, the court took into account the company's income. The city council stated that the decision reinforces protection for tenants against intimidating behavior and illegal evictions.
The article also notes that, in Portugal, the Civil Code prevents the landlord from performing acts that harm the tenant's use of the property, and that entering another person's home without consent may constitute the crime of violation of domicile, punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine.
