Updated October 2026
In short: A notice to quit or Section 8 notice is a private document between landlord and tenant. It doesn't appear on any public register. If the case goes to court, rent-arrears possession hearings are usually listed in private in the first instance, but a money judgment for rent arrears can be entered on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines, where it affects the tenant's credit file for six years unless paid within a month.
| Stage | Public? | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Notice served (e.g. Section 8) | No | A private document between landlord and tenant |
| Possession claim issued at court | No | Court files aren't openly searchable, and rent-arrears possession hearings are usually listed in private |
| Possession order | Not on the credit register | Orders the tenant to leave by a date |
| Money judgment (CCJ) for arrears | Yes, if unpaid within one month | Recorded on the Register of Judgments and visible to lenders and referencing agencies for six years |
| Eviction by court bailiffs | No public list | Carried out under a warrant of possession |
Covers England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different procedures.
Why it matters for tenants
A possession order on its own doesn't show on credit files, but a CCJ for unpaid rent does, and it can make renting or borrowing harder. If a judgment is paid in full within one month, it can be removed from the register. If it's paid later, it can be marked as "satisfied", which looks better to future landlords.
Why it matters for landlords
Since 1 May 2026, Section 21 "no-fault" evictions have ended in England, so possession claims must rely on Section 8 grounds such as rent arrears. Getting the notice and evidence right first time saves months. A defective notice means starting again.
Protecting your privacy and position
- Tenants: respond to court papers. Ignoring them makes a judgment more likely.
- Tenants: pay any money judgment within a month if you can, so it's removed from the register.
- Landlords: keep rent records, correspondence and inspection notes. Evidence wins cases.
- Both: try to agree a repayment plan or move-out date before a hearing.
- Both: get independent advice early from Shelter, Citizens Advice or a housing solicitor.
How Fraser Bond helps landlords
- Rent arrears management before it reaches court
- Correctly drafted Section 8 notices and evidence packs
- Coordination with solicitors and court bailiffs where possession is needed
- Re-letting quickly once the property is back
Frequently asked questions
Can a future landlord see that I was evicted?
They can't see a notice or possession order on a public register, but they may see a CCJ for unpaid rent, and they'll usually ask for references from previous landlords.
How long does a CCJ stay on my record?
Six years from the judgment date, unless it's paid in full within one month.
Are possession hearings held in public?
Claims for possession based on rent arrears are normally listed in private in the first instance, though a judge can decide otherwise.
Facing rent arrears or need possession?
Our team can help you take the right steps, in the right order.
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