Get help if you're being evicted

Summary

This advice will usually apply to you if you rent from a private landlord and you don’t live with them. You can only be evicted if your landlord has followed the proper steps. They must: 1. give you a valid eviction notice (usually called a notice seeking possession) 2. get a possession order from court if you haven't left by the date on the eviction notice 3. apply to the court for a warrant of possession if you haven't left by the date on the possession order If the court issues a warrant of possession, bailiffs can make you leave your home. They’ll give you at least 14 days’ notice to move out. If your landlord hasn't followed the proper steps, you might be able to challenge the eviction and stay in your home. If your landlord gave you a section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, you should check if the section 21 notice is valid. If your landlord gives you a section 21 notice on or after 1 May 2026, it isn’t valid. If your landlord gave you a section 8 notice, you should check if the section 8 notice is valid. If you have a different type of eviction notice, talk to an adviser. You might be able to challenge your eviction if your landlord has discriminated against you, for example.

Key information

• in a way that’s more difficult for you compared with other people
• for a reason that's connected to your disability
• because you complained about discrimination before
• find somewhere for you to stay short term
• help you stay where you’re currently living - for example by talking to your landlord
• find somewhere for you to live long term - this might be council housing or renting from a private landlord
• Housing Benefit or Universal Credit \- read more information on who can apply
• a loan to help pay for a deposit or help from a local welfare scheme - you’ll need to ask your local council
• a discretionary housing payment (DHP) from your local council - find out how to claim a DHP
• This advice will usually apply to you if you rent from a private landlord and you don’t live with them.
• Check what you can do if you're being evicted by the council or a housing association.
• You can only be evicted if your landlord has followed the proper steps. They must:

Practical guidance

• Source: Get help if you're being evicted

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