Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Renting · Eviction
Facing eviction? What the council must do, and what you should do first
How eviction works now
From notice to possession
Common grounds and notice periods
| Ground | Typical reason | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Selling the home | Landlord intends to sell | 4 months; not in the first 12 months of the tenancy |
| Moving in | Landlord or close family will live there | 4 months; not in the first 12 months |
| Serious rent arrears | At least 3 months' rent owed at notice and at the hearing | 4 weeks |
| Anti-social behaviour | Nuisance or criminal behaviour | Can be immediate |
| Breach of tenancy | Other breaches, such as damage | A shorter notice period; the judge has discretion |
A simplified summary of the main Section 8 grounds in England after 1 May 2026. Always check the notice and get advice.
What the council must do
If you are likely to become homeless within 56 days, the council must assess your situation and agree a personal housing plan. It must take reasonable steps to help you keep your home or find somewhere else. A valid notice that ends within 56 days counts.
If you are already homeless, the council must take reasonable steps for 56 days to help you secure accommodation. If you may be in priority need, it must provide interim accommodation while it decides.
If you are eligible, homeless, in priority need and not intentionally homeless, the council must make sure suitable accommodation is available. This may be temporary accommodation, and it may be outside your borough.
Includes households with dependent children, pregnant people, people made homeless by an emergency, and people who are vulnerable because of age, illness, disability or domestic abuse. 16 and 17-year-olds and some care leavers also have priority.
You have received a valid Section 8 notice ending in 7 weeks. When should you contact the council?
If you have received an eviction notice
Need a new home quickly?
- Register with Fraser Bond for new homes as they come up
- No blanket bans: landlords cannot refuse tenants on benefits or with children
- Fast viewings and clear move-in costs
- Help with references and guarantor options
Landlord needing possession?
- Advice on the right ground and the correct notice
- Full management to resolve arrears early
- Help preparing evidence for a claim
- Re-letting quickly once the property is back
Frequently asked questions
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Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
No. A private landlord needs a possession order from the court, and only court enforcement officers can carry out the eviction. Changing the locks or removing you without an order can be a criminal offence.
Does the council have to rehouse me?
It depends. Everyone threatened with homelessness gets help to prevent or relieve it. The full housing duty applies only if you are eligible, in priority need and not intentionally homeless.
Should I leave before the court date?
Get advice first. Leaving early could affect how the council assesses you. Shelter or Citizens Advice can explain your options.
Can I still use a Section 21 notice?
Not for notices served on or after 1 May 2026. Landlords must now use a Section 8 ground.
Can Fraser Bond help me find a new home?
Yes. Register with us and we'll tell you about suitable homes as they come up.
Need to move, or need advice as a landlord?
Our team can help tenants find a new home and help landlords follow the right process.
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