Home  /  Insights  /  Property Legal, Risk & Compliance
Property Legal, Risk & Compliance  

Possession Order: What Happens Next and Your Options

For tenants and landlords after the court has made an order.

Possession Order: What Happens Next and Your Options Property Legal, Risk & Compliance

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Possession · After the order

After a possession order

Outrightor suspended
Dateto leave
Bailiffswarrant
Helprehousing
In short: A possession order tells the tenant to leave by a set date, often 14 days, though the court can allow more time in cases of hardship. A suspended order lets the tenant stay as long as they meet conditions, such as paying arrears. If the tenant doesn't leave, the landlord must apply for a warrant, and only court enforcement officers can carry out the eviction. Tenants may be able to ask the court to suspend a warrant or set aside an order in some situations. Contact the council's housing team early for rehousing help.
Order typeWhat it means
Outright orderLeave by the date given
Suspended orderStay if you meet the conditions
WarrantAllows enforcement officers to evict

Types of order

  • Contact the council housing team now
  • Ask for advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice
  • If you can pay arrears, ask about suspending a warrant

Frequently asked questions

How long after a possession order do I have to leave?

Usually 14 days, sometimes longer.

Can I stop the bailiffs?

You may be able to apply to suspend the warrant. Get advice quickly.

Can the landlord change the locks themselves?

No.

Need a new home?

Register with us for homes across London.

Register nowSearch homes to rent

Related guides

Next step

You are one message away from an answer.

If you have a question

Send it to us and get a straight answer.

Describe the property and the problem. We will tell you what we would do, what it should cost, and if we are not the right people, who is.

  • Replies the same working day
  • The person who answers is the person who handles it
  • No fee, and no obligation to instruct us
If you are looking for a property

See everything we are instructed on.

Sales and lettings across Prime Central London and the wider UK, with the same team behind every listing.

  • Residential and commercial in one search
  • Filter by borough, budget and size
  • Register once and we will send matches first