Get help if you're being evicted

Check if this advice applies to you

This advice will usually apply to you if you rent from a private landlord and you don’t live with them.

Check what you can do if you're being evicted by the council or a housing association.

You can only be evicted if your landlord has followed the proper steps. They must:

1. give you a valid eviction notice (usually called a notice seeking possession)

2. get a possession order from court if you haven't left by the date on the eviction notice

3. apply to the court for a warrant of possession if you haven't left by the date on the possession order

If the court issues a warrant of possession, bailiffs can make you leave your home. They’ll give you at least 14 days’ notice to move out.

If your landlord hasn't followed the proper steps, you might be able to challenge the eviction and stay in your home.

Check if your eviction notice is valid

If your landlord gave you a section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, you should check if the section 21 notice is valid. 

If your landlord gives you a section 21 notice on or after 1 May 2026, it isn’t valid. 

If your landlord gave you a section 8 notice, you should check if the section 8 notice is valid.

If you have a different type of eviction notice, talk to an adviser.

If your landlord has discriminated against you

You might be able to challenge your eviction if your landlord has discriminated against you, for example if they're evicting you:

• because of who you are

• in a way that’s more difficult for you compared with other people

• for a reason that's connected to your disability

• because you complained about discrimination before

If any of these apply to you, you should check if your housing problem is discrimination.

If you're homeless or threatened with homelessness

It’s usually worth applying to your local council for help if you're homeless - or if you’ll be homeless soon.

Depending on your situation, the council might:

• find somewhere for you to stay short term

• help you stay where you’re currently living - for example by talking to your landlord

• find somewhere for you to live long term - this might be council housing or renting from a private landlord

Check if you can apply for homeless help from the council.

Check if you can get extra money

You might be able to get extra money if you need help finding somewhere to live.

Check if you can get:

• Housing Benefit or Universal Credit - read more information on who can apply

• a loan to help pay for a deposit or help from a local welfare scheme - you’ll need to ask your local council

• a discretionary housing payment (DHP) from your local council - find out how to claim a DHP

Getting your tenancy deposit back

Don’t forget to get your tenancy deposit back from your landlord after you move out. Read more about getting your tenancy deposit back.