Find out what you can do if you are being evicted.
You'll need help right away if your landlord threatens to evict you.
You are likely to have some rights in the accommodation you are living in. Before you can find out what your rights are, you need to know what type of tenancy you have.
If your landlord has a court order to take back your home and evict you, you need to talk to the court, not your landlord, to try to stop it. If you might be evicted, get help from a lawyer quickly to understand what you can do.
Under the Renters' Right Act, from 1 May 2026, all tenancies need to have a written agreement. If a tenancy is based only on a verbal agreement, landlords need to provide a written document that covers the required information.
Following the Renters Right Act, all private tenancies should be Assured Periodic Tenancies (APT). Previously, private landlords might have issued an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). Any ASTs will roll into APTs.
If your landlord has given you a notice, you might be able to get help to pay your rent.
Your landlord must give you a legal notice as a first step to ending your tenancy.
Previously, landlords could serve a ‘no fault’ Section 21 notice to evict tenants. Under the Renters' Right Act, these are no longer valid. If you have been issued a Section 21, please contact Housing Options.
Landlords must instead use a section 8 ground for possession. These are specific circumstances in which a landlord can take possession of a property. See the Government's guidance on grounds for possession.
To regain possession, landlords have to serve notice in the prescribed form. They also need to give at least the required notice period. You do not have to leave when the notice ends unless you're ready to do so. Landlords will need to go to court if a tenant does not leave and provide evidence that the ground applies. Your tenancy rights and responsibilities continue if you stay past the date on a section 8. Keep paying your rent and only agree to a move out date if you've found somewhere else to live.
It is illegal for your landlord or agent to evict you without notice or a court order. Only bailiffs can carry out an eviction.
Most housing association and council tenants have an assured tenancy.
A housing association can only evict you if there is a legal reason why you should leave your home.
Free legal advice: Anyone at risk of losing their home can get free legal advice and help at a court possession hearing.
This advice and the help is free. Your income does not matter.
The Court will tell you the date and time that the bailiff will arrive.
The locks will be changed and any belongings you have in the property will be removed.
You will need to find a new place to live for you and anyone who lives with you.