Help if you’re being evicted

There are generally two reasons why you might be given notice to leave: 

1. If you break any of the terms in your tenancy agreement, like not paying your rent. 
   
2. If your landlord wants the property back after a fixed-term agreement has ended, or during a rolling contract – known as a no-fault eviction.  
   

But the exact rules will depend on: 

• the type of tenancy agreement you have 
  
• how long you’ve lived there, and 
  
• where in the UK you live.  
  

This can make the rules around renting and eviction quite complicated.

To help, this guide covers the general points and links to places that offer detailed information – including free helplines

Unless your landlord or organisation you rent from follows the correct process, your eviction could be illegal. This includes:  

• not being given the correct amount of notice 
  
• not giving you the right paperwork 
  
• your landlord not having the correct licence  
  
• being discriminated against – like evicting you if you’re pregnant 
  
• evicting you as revenge for asking for repairs or making a complaint 
  
• being harassed or using force to make you leave, and 
  
• changing the locks or removing your belongings without a court order.  
  

You also can’t be evicted for previous unpaid rent if you live in England or Wales and are currently on a Breathing Space debt arrangement.  

If you suspect your eviction might be illegal, it’s best to get free legal advice for help on what to do next. 

Here are the next steps if you’ve been given an eviction notice. 

It’s always worth seeing if you can resolve things by talking to the person or organisation you rent from first – if you feel comfortable to.

There might be a misunderstanding or mistake that you can easily correct.  

Hopefully you can agree a way forward that means you can stay in your home, ideally in writing. For example, arranging an affordable repayment plan for unpaid rent. 

If you rent from the council, local authority or housing association and have unpaid rent, they are usually required to help you work things out. 

For more help, see How to sort a dispute with your landlord.

Your landlord must follow a strict process to evict you legally. Part of this is giving you the correct amount of notice. 

Unless the eviction is because of anti-social behaviour or illegal activity, you’ll often get at least 28 days’ warning. But this can be longer depending on: 

• the type of tenancy agreement you have 
  
• the reason for eviction (if you were at fault or not) 
  
• where in the UK you rent, and 
  
• how long you’ve lived in the property. 
  

Which? has a quick summary of the legal eviction notice periodsOpens in a new window for private tenants around the UK.

If you live in England and Wales, you can get free legal advice as soon as you get an eviction notice. 

Use the Find a legal adviser toolOpens in a new window and select the ‘Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service’ to find help near you. 

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland and are unable to pay for a legal adviser, check if you qualify for legal aid. This might help you get free or discounted: 

• advice on your options  
  
• help filling out paperwork, and 
  
• legal representation in court. 
  

If you don’t qualify, see details of free helplines

If your eviction notice is valid, your landlord will want you to leave the property before the stated date – but you don’t have to.

You can’t be forced out, the locks changed or your belongings removed without a court order. 

If you’re happy to leave, give yourself enough time to find another property and continue to pay your rent. If you want to move out before your eviction date, agree an earlier moving date with your landlord.   

If you don’t leave on or before the eviction date, your landlord will need to go to court or a tribunal before anything else happens.

The court must agree with the eviction before bailiffs, sheriff or court officers can be arranged to remove you. You’ll usually have the option to appeal the original decision.

You don’t need to leave the property until this has all happened, which can take weeks or months. But you’ll still need to pay your rent.

It can be difficult searching for a new home, so we’ve got guides to help: 

• How to find a rented home you can afford – including how to apply for council housing 
  
• Moving checklist for private renters.
  

If you’re facing eviction and could be homeless within the next eight weeks, check if you qualify for homeless help. This usually means you haven’t been able to find a suitable home on your own.

The type of help you’re likely to get will depend on your situation. For example, you might be seen as a higher priority if you’re vulnerable, have a child or someone in the household is pregnant.  

You can explain your situation to an adviser using the free helplines below. They’ll listen and give you as much help as they can.

You can also find details of local advisers at Advicelocal Opens in a new window