You may be able to get help from the courts if you have a housing problem. Civil courts can help you get compensation, while you can go to criminal court if your landlord has committed a criminal offence.

You will usually use have to go to a civil court if you have a housing problem. You can go to small claims court if you are asking for less than £2,000.

Civil cases

If you have a housing problem you will usually have to use civil proceedings. For example, you want to sue for damages, sue for breach of contract or get an injunction. More

Criminal cases

You will only be able to go to criminal court if the other person has committed an act that is outlawed by criminal law. For example, illegal eviction or harassment. You may also want to use the criminal courts if you have suffered domestic abuse. More