Eviction notices from private landlords

If your landlord wants to end your tenancy the first step is to give you a notice.

Eviction is a legal process that takes time. There are 3 stages for most private renters:

1. notice

2. court action

3. eviction by bailiffs

If your landlord or agent does not follow the legal process it could be an illegal eviction.

You have fewer rights if you're a lodger who lives with your landlord.

Your landlord must give you a valid notice

Most private renters have an assured shorthold tenancy (AST).

Your landlord could give you a:

• section 21 notice

• section 8 notice

These notices have to be on the right form and give you the right amount of time.

You should get a legal notice in writing even if you do not have a written tenancy agreement.

The notice you get depends on your tenancy type.

Use our tenancy checker if you're not sure what type of tenancy you have.

Section 21 notices

A section 21 notice is the most common way to end an AST.

It is sometimes called a 'no fault' notice. This is because your landlord does not need to put a reason on the notice.

Your landlord has 4 months from the end date on the notice to start court action.

Read our section 21 eviction guide to:

• check if your notice is valid

• find out how long the eviction process takes

• get help and support to deal with your landlord

Section 8 notices

A section 8 notice can be used to evict you from an AST or an assured tenancy.

Your landlord needs a legal reason or 'ground' to use this type of notice. They have to prove the ground at a court hearing.

The most common reason for a private landlord to use a section 8 notice is rent arrears. 

You can also be given a section 8 notice for other reasons, for example, antisocial behaviour.

Your landlord can start court action after the notice period ends. They have to give you a new notice if they do not start court action within a year from when they gave you a notice.

More on section 8 notices. 

Notice to quit

A notice to quit is used to end some less common types of tenancy or occupancy agreements.

The most common situations where you might get a notice to quit are:

• you're a property guardian

• your landlord lives in the same building but in a separate flat

• you rent from your employer and you have to live there to do the job

Notice to quit from a landlord must:

• give at least 4 weeks' notice

• end on the first or last day of a tenancy period

• contain certain legal information, including where to get advice

It can only be used to end a rolling agreement. For example, a monthly or weekly agreement.

Notice for regulated or protected tenants

You have strong tenancy rights with this type of private tenancy.

You can only be evicted from your home if both:

• your landlord has a legal reason

• a court agrees that eviction is reasonable

Find out more about eviction of regulated tenants and where to get advice.

How much notice should you get?

Use our notice period checker to find out if you've had the right amount of notice.