If a tenant refuses to leave after receiving notice, landlords in England and Wales can use the Possession Claim Online (PCOL) service to apply for a court order to regain possession of their property. This digital process is quicker and cheaper than paper applications.
What Is Possession Claim Online (PCOL)?
PCOL is an online service provided by HM Courts & Tribunals that allows landlords to:
✔️ Apply for a possession order if tenants won’t leave after notice.
✔️ Use the system for rent arrears or standard possession claims.
✔️ Track the claim’s progress and receive updates.
PCOL cannot be used for accelerated Section 21 claims or cases involving trespassers.
When Can Landlords Use PCOL?
You can file a possession claim online if:
- The property is in England or Wales.
- You have served the correct notice (e.g., Section 8).
- You are seeking possession due to rent arrears or another breach of tenancy.
How to File a Possession Claim Online
1️⃣ Serve Notice to the Tenant – Issue a Section 8 or relevant notice.
2️⃣ Wait for the Notice Period to End – Tenants must be given time to respond.
3️⃣ Log in to PCOL – Access the Gov.uk Possession Claim Online portal.
4️⃣ Submit the Claim & Pay the Fee – The PCOL fee is £355 (as of 2024).
5️⃣ Court Reviews the Case – The court will process the claim and set a hearing date.
6️⃣ Attend the Hearing – A judge decides whether to grant a possession order.
7️⃣ Enforce Eviction If Needed – If tenants don’t leave, landlords may apply for bailiff enforcement.
How Long Does a Possession Claim Take?
