The steps involved
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
This section outlines the basic steps that are involved in an eviction. Not all people who rent from a private landlord have rights at each of these stages. It may not be too late to stop or delay the eviction, even if the bailiffs are on the way.
If your landlord has told you to leave, use our eviction checker to find out what process they are legally required to follow. Whatever stage an eviction is at, it's worth getting advice. Use our directory to find an advice centre in your area.
Asking you to leave
The first step your landlord has to take in order to evict you is to ask you to leave. Most tenants are entitled to a written notice. The notice may be written in a formal way because it has to contain certain legal information. Where a notice is required it must:
- be of a specific length of time
- state the date that your landlord wants you to leave
- give reasons why you are being asked to leave (if applicable)
- contain specific information such as where you can get advice (if applicable).
For most types of tenants there are rules about how long your landlord has to give you before you have to leave and when the notice can be given.
In some cases landlords do not have to give written notice before you have to leave. This normally only applies to people who share accommodation with their landlord or who are living in their accommodation on a very temporary basis.
Getting a court order
If you haven't left by the time the notice expires, landlords usually have to apply for an order from the county court telling you to leave. This is known as a possession order. Most tenants are entitled to stay in their accommodation until a possession order takes effect.
Sometimes landlords are able to get a possession order automatically but other times they need to prove a reason to the court. There may be a court hearing.
Eviction by the bailiffs
If you haven't left by the date the court says you have to your landlord can arrange for a bailiff to evict you. Bailiffs are employed by the court. You will receive a letter from the court saying when the bailiffs will arrive. Bailiffs can physically remove you and your belongings from the property but must not use violence or unreasonable force in doing so.
It is sometimes possible to apply to the court to stop the bailiffs from evicting you. You should get specialist advice immediately if you want to do this.
Nobody other than a bailiff acting for the county court is allowed to physically remove you from the accommodation. If anyone else attempts to do this they are probably guilty of illegal eviction, which is a serious offence. Contact an advice centre if this happens to you.
