Eviction of council tenants

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

Generally you have the right to stay in your home, providing you don't break the rules of your tenancy. The procedure the council must follow to evict you will depend on the type of tenancy you have.

If you are threatened with eviction for any reason, speak to an adviser immediately. Even if the bailiffs are on the way - it's never too late to get help. Use our advice services directory to find a local advice centre.

Notice from the council

As a secure tenant you can only be evicted in certain circumstances, such as breaking one of the terms of your tenancy agreement. If this happens, the council has to give you notice. The amount of notice you get will depend on the reasons for your eviction.

Grounds for eviction

Secure tenants can only be evicted for certain legal reasons (known as grounds). However, in some cases the court may decide it is not reasonable to evict you, even if the council can prove that the grounds are true.

The steps involved

This section outlines the basic steps that are involved in an eviction. Not all council tenants have the same rights at each of the stages involved in an eviction.


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