How it Works
Your Landlord Has Sent an Eviction Notice — Here Is What to Do
Receiving an eviction notice is frightening. But the most important thing you can do right now is stay calm and stay put. Section 21 is abolished. Many Section 8 notices contain errors that make them legally unenforceable. Know your position before you do anything.
Your Rights
What Is Your Landlord Legally Required to Do With Your Eviction notice?
Section 21 Is Gone
Section 8 — Grounds Required
Correct Notice Periods
Court Order Required
Retaliatory Eviction
Common Situations
Situations Renters Face — And What to Do
These are the most common repair scenarios our members experience. Find your situation and follow the recommended steps.
Received a Section 21 Notice after May 2026
Your landlord has handed you a document headed Section 21 or no-fault eviction notice dated after 1 May 2026.
→ This notice is legally invalid. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026. Write to your landlord informing them the notice has no legal force and you will not be leaving.
Section 8 Notice for rent arrears
Your landlord has served a Section 8 Notice citing Ground 8 because you are behind on rent. You are worried about losing your home.
→Check the exact arrears amount stated. If you can reduce arrears below two months before the court hearing this ground fails. Do not ignore the notice — respond formally and seek support immediately.
Notice does not use the correct form or cite specific grounds
Your landlord has sent an informal letter telling you to leave or has served a notice that does not cite specific legal grounds or use the correct official form.
→ An informal letter is not a valid eviction notice. You do not have to leave. Write to your landlord explaining that no valid notice has been served.
Notice served after you complained about repairs or rent
You recently raised repair issues or challenged a rent increase and shortly after your landlord served an eviction notice. The timing feels deliberate.
→ This is likely retaliatory eviction which is unlawful under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Document the full timeline carefully. This is a strong defence and should be raised at any court hearing.
Landlord says you must leave within days
Your landlord is telling you verbally or in writing that you must be out within a few days, sometimes before the formal notice period even expires.
→ Your landlord cannot legally require you to leave without a court possession order. Even after a valid notice expires they must go to court. You are safe to stay until a court order is made.
Landlord threatening to change the locks or remove belongings
Your landlord has threatened to change the locks, remove your belongings, or cut off utilities if you do not leave by a certain date.
→ This is illegal eviction — a criminal offence. Call the police immediately. Your landlord has no right to take any of these actions without a court order and a bailiff warrant.
Section 8 Eviction Grounds, What Your Landlord Must Prove
Rent Arrears
Grounds 8, 10 & 11 Ground 8 requires at least two months arrears at the date of notice AND at the date of the hearing. If you reduce arrears below two months before the hearing this ground fails. Notice period: 4 weeks.
✓ Mandatory Ground
Anti-Social Behaviour
Ground 14 Serious anti-social behaviour or nuisance to neighbours or the landlord. This is a discretionary ground — the judge decides whether it is reasonable to grant possession even if proven.
🚨 Notice Period: Immediate
Landlord Moving In
Ground 1 Your landlord or a family member genuinely needs to move into the property as their main home. They must have lived there before or this was stated in the original tenancy agreement.
🚨 Notice Period: 4 Months
Property Being Sold
Ground 1A (New) Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, a new ground allows landlords to evict where they intend to sell the property. Strict conditions apply and the landlord cannot relet for 12 months.
🚨 Notice Period: 4 Months
How We Help
Support for Tenants Who've Received an Eviction Notice
Renters Rights Act Services gives you the tools to check whether your eviction notice is valid and respond formally — without paying solicitor fees. Most tenants leaving a property also need to [get their deposit back in full], and we cover that too.
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Response to Section 8 Eviction Notice
Members Only
Eviction
📬
Eviction Notice Action Plan
Members Only
Eviction
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Situation Review
Members Only
Review
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Call Support
Members Only
Support
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my landlord have to go to court to evict me?
Is a Section 21 Notice still valid?
What if my Section 8 Notice has errors?
Can I be evicted for complaining about repairs?
How long does the eviction process take?
What should I do if my landlord tries to change the locks?
Can I be evicted if I have nowhere else to go?
What is a Renters's Friend Service?
Do not leave until you know if your notice is valid.
Join today and get instant access to the Eviction Response Letter, Eviction Defence Guide, and Situation Review service.