Eviction for rent arrears
Your landlord must take certain steps before they can evict you for rent arrears. Find out about the legal process and what you can do before and after eviction.
No evictions by bailiffs will take place until after 31 March except in very limited circumstances.
Evictions may still go ahead if the landlord has proved either:
antisocial behaviour
at least 6 months' rent arrears
The courts will continue to process cases during lockdown. You still need to read any letters from the court and attend the hearing if there is one.
What to do if you're in rent arrears
Eviction is a legal process. It takes time and many landlords only use it as a last resort.
Contact your landlord if you have problems paying your rent.
You might be able to sort things out.
Steps your landlord must take to evict
Your landlord must usually give you notice and get a court order if you're:
If you live with your landlord, they can give you reasonable notice to leave. They don't need to get a court order. They can't forcibly evict you but could change the locks once your notice or contract has ended.
If you leave because of rent arrears
You might decide to leave your tenancy because you can't afford the rent.
Things to consider before leaving include:
if you'll need to apply as homeless
whether you can find anything more affordable
the extra costs you'll have to pay if the landlord goes to court
Don't feel pressured into leaving early, especially if you have nowhere else to go. It usually takes a few months for the eviction process to go through court.
Ending your tenancy
If you decide to leave, you must end your tenancy properly or your rent arrears will continue to grow until the property is re-let.
Your landlord might agree that you can end your tenancy immediately or at short notice. Get any agreement in writing to avoid disputes later on.
If you have a rolling (periodic) tenancy, you must give at least 4 weeks' notice unless your landlord agrees to a shorter notice period.
If you have a fixed-term tenancy, you'll need to negotiate an early end to the tenancy or check your contract for a break clause.
Finding a new home
It can be difficult to find somewhere new to live if you're evicted or owe rent at a previous address.
Renting privately
Most private landlords and letting agents ask for a reference from your previous landlord.
Help from the council
You can ask the council for help if you're homeless or at risk of losing your home. You don't have to wait until you're evicted.
The council must:
assess your situation and help you find somewhere else to live
provide emergency housing if you qualify
The council might decide you're intentionally homeless if you left your previous tenancy before you had to or if the rent arrears were your fault.
The council might exclude you or give you less priority on the housing register if you have rent arrears, especially if you owe money to a council or housing association.
It can help to come to an agreement to repay the arrears in instalments.
Still need help?
Get legal advice if you're facing eviction or homelessness because of rent arrears.
Last updated: 15 February 2021
