Eviction
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
The eviction of a tenant has to follow a special legal procedure and the process involved depends on the type of tenancy. A landlord who tries to evict a tenant illegally may be committing a criminal offence.
It's never too late to get help, but the sooner you do so the better. If it's an emergency, get advice immediately. Call our advice helpline or use our directory to find an advice centre in your area.
Preventing eviction
If your landlord wants to evict you because of something you have done, you may be able to take action to change the situation.
Council tenants
The eviction of a council tenant will depend on the type of tenancy the tenant has and the grounds the council are using to evict them.
Housing association tenants
Housing associations need grounds to evict a tenant. The eviction of a housing association tenant should only happen after all options have been exhausted.
Private tenants
The eviction of private tenants usually has rules attached, but in many cases a landlord doesn’t need to give a reason to evict a private tenant.
If you are sent to prison
If you are sent to prison and it looks like you have ‘abandoned’ your home or that you don’t live there anymore, your landlord may try to evict you. You can take action to challenge this.
From mobile homes
This section explains what you can do if your landlord or the site owner asks you to leave.
Gypsies and Travellers
Information about when and how Gypsies and Travellers can be evicted from land they have stopped on.
Harassment and illegal eviction by a landlord
Harassment or illegal eviction by your landlord can be a serious problem. Your landlord may even be committing an offence and could be prosecuted.
Court action for eviction
Find out what happens if your landlord applies for a court order to evict you.
Stopping eviction by bailiffs
Eviction by bailiffs can sometimes be stopped or delayed if tenants act quickly. See what you can do if your landlord is using bailiffs to evict you.
After eviction
After an eviction has occurred the courts do not have the power to change the terms of the possession order, but there may be some limited action you can take.
