Illegal eviction, boundary-crossing, and completely unprofessional behaviour – avoid at all costs
I moved into Alex Stewart’s property after a viewing where a woman — he openly described as his “on-and-off girlfriend” — was present. I made it clear during the viewing that I was uncomfortable with her being there if they were supposedly breaking up, and he reassured me that she would not be living in the property.
When I actually moved in, she was there again. I repeated my boundaries and explained how uncomfortable and unsafe this made me feel. Instead of addressing the issue professionally, he tried to justify it by saying he was “only sleeping with her for a week’s Wickes discount,” which immediately raised red flags about his judgement and the environment I was entering.
Throughout my tenancy, I continually expressed that I didn’t feel comfortable with this woman being in the flat — especially when he had told me they had broken up and she wouldn’t be around. He ignored these concerns and continued allowing her into the property.
Then everything escalated.
Despite having a signed tenancy agreement, despite paying rent, and despite having rights under UK housing law, he illegally evicted me. He changed the locks on a Sunday with no notice, refused to allow me proper access to my belongings, and handled my things without consent — resulting in damaged items.
I had to involve the police, who confirmed the situation was unlawful. By the time they arrived, he had already packed up my belongings without my permission, which was extremely distressing and invasive.
His SpareRoom advert remained live while all this was happening, and his behaviour shows a complete disregard for tenants’ rights, safety, and dignity.
I now have a crime reference number, and I'm in the process of reporting him to:
• SpareRoom, to have his advert removed
• The council for illegal eviction
• Trading Standards
• HMRC
• The police, with a full statement
I’m sharing my experience so others don’t find themselves in the same unsafe, disrespectful, and unlawful situation. His conduct was unprofessional, manipulative, boundary-crossing, and ultimately illegal.
Avoid renting from him or using for any service.
7 December 2025
Unprompted review