Renters with basic protection from eviction

'Basic protection' means your landlord needs a court order to evict you.

But they do not need to tell you or the court why they want to property back.

If you have a rolling agreement, your landlord must also give you a notice to quit.

If you have a fixed term agreement, your landlord can start court action when your contract ends. They do not need to give you notice.

Who has basic protection from eviction?

You probably have basic protection from eviction if:

• your home comes with your job

• you live in student halls of residence at university

• you are a property guardian and do not have a tenancy

• you and your landlord live in separate flats in a converted house

You might also have basic protection from eviction if you live in a hostel or hotel and have a licence agreement.

Check your tenancy type if you're not in any of these situations

Housing that comes with your job

You usually have basic protection from eviction if either:

• you need to live there to do your job

• your employment contract says you need to live there to do your job properly

But you can be evicted without a court order if either:

• you live there rent free

• you share living rooms like a bathroom or kitchen with your employer

If you rent from your employer but this is not connected to your job then you probably have an assured shorthold tenancy (AST). This gives you stronger rights.

More on housing that comes with your job.

Students in halls of residence

Your landlord might be:

• the university or college

• a private company providing student housing

Most of your rights come from your agreement so read it carefully.

You probably have a fixed term agreement. For example, an agreement that starts in September and ends in June.

Most students in halls of residence move out when the agreement ends. If you do not leave your landlord can apply for a court order to evict you.

Some students in privately owned blocks have an assured shorthold tenancy (AST).

Property guardians

Most property guardians have licence agreements not tenancies.

You still have basic protection from eviction. Your home should also be safe.

If you share with other property guardians, the company might need an HMO licence.

More on the rights of property guardians.

Living in the same building as your landlord

You have basic protection from eviction if you and your landlord live in separate flats in a converted house.

You probably have an assured tenancy if it's a purpose built block of flats.

But you are a lodger if you share a kitchen, bathroom or living room with your landlord.

Your rental agreement and your rights

Basic protection can be tenancy or a licence.

Tenants usually have more rights than renters with licence agreements.

For example, with a tenancy, your landlord is responsible for most repairs.

With a licence, it might depend on what your agreement says.