Eviction and possession

Your landlord cannot make you leave without following the law. Eviction can only happen through the courts, after proper notice and a legal process

Social housing tenants have strong legal protections. Your landlord cannot make you leave just because there is a dispute. For instance, formally complaining about their services such as repairs is not grounds for eviction.

Eviction can only happen through a legal process and only a court can end your tenancy.

Eviction is a legal process

Before trying to evict you, your landlord must have a legal reason (called a ‘ground for possession’), give you the correct notice in writing, follow the proper legal steps, and apply to court for a possession order. A notice is not an eviction – it is only a warning that your landlord may apply to court.

Reasons a landlord might try to evict

Landlords may try to seek possession for reasons such as:

Rent arrears
Breach of tenancy conditions
Anti-social behaviour
End of a fixed-term tenancy
Redevelopment or sale
Succession or under-occupation

In all cases, eviction must be lawful and reasonable.

If you fall behind on rent, your landlord should contact you early, offer support, and give you time to reduce arrears before going to court.

If your case goes to court

You will receive papers and a hearing date. You should attend and bring any evidence. The judge can dismiss the case, let you stay under conditions, or only order eviction if no fair solution is possible. You cannot be evicted without a court order.

Your wider protections

Illegal eviction, such as lockouts, removing belongings, or threats, is a criminal offence. Landlords must consider disability, health, and vulnerability.

Get help early

If you receive a notice or court papers, get advice quickly from Citizens Advice, Shelter, a law centre, or your housing officer. Ignoring letters can make things worse. Notices often have deadlines, so act quickly. Eviction is never automatic and you have the right to be heard.