What happens if your private landlord is asking you to leave
If you live in privately rented accommodation, we may be able to help you if your landlord has asked you to leave.
It is important that you contact us as soon as your landlord asks you to leave, so we can provide you with advice as soon as possible.
Has your landlord served the correct notice to end the tenancy?
Before your landlord can legally make you leave your home, they must follow the correct legal process. Since 1 May 2026, Section 21 "no fault" eviction notices no longer exist. Your landlord can only ask you to leave by serving a Section 8 notice, and they must have a valid legal reason to do so.
A Section 8 notice must clearly state the specific ground for eviction and give you the correct notice period for that ground. Notice periods vary depending on the reason, ranging from two weeks to four months. Common grounds include rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, or the landlord wanting to move into or sell the property. If your landlord has not followed these rules, or cannot demonstrate a valid ground, the notice may not be valid.
As soon as you receive a notice, you should contact us so that we can check it for you.
Even if your landlord's property is repossessed by their bank because they have failed to pay their mortgage, the bank must still give you a notice period so you can find a new home.
If you do not have a tenancy agreement, for example if you share accommodation with your landlord, you have fewer rights against eviction, but you should still get reasonable notice to vacate. Please contact us so we can provide further advice depending on your situation.
Check the notice
Your landlord should give the notice in writing, and will use "Form 3A" if they are a private landlord.
The notice should include your name, address, grounds for possession and the date the notice ends.
If you’re unsure, contact us.
Keep hold of all your documents relating to the notice as you will need to upload them to your Kent Homechoice portal.
Stay in your home for now
You do not have to leave immediately when you get the notice.
The landlord must go through the correct process before you can be evicted.
Court Action
If you don’t leave by the date on the notice, the landlord can apply to court for a possession order.
They must do this within a certain timeframe, otherwise the notice becomes invalid (within 12 months for a section 8 notice).
You will get court papers. You can respond and explain your situation and file a defence.
You may wish to seek legal advice in relation to your situation. Visit Legal aid for possession proceedings - GOV.UK to see if you can qualify for free legal advice and representation.
Possession Order
If the court grants the landlord possession, you will be given a date to leave the property. This will usually be within 14 days but it could be longer.
Bailiff Warrant
If you stay past the possession date, the landlord must apply for enforcement agents (bailiffs) to remove you.
You will get a letter with the bailiff appointment date, and you should be given at least 14 days notice before they attend the property.
You may find it helpful to look on Shelter's website for more information: Possession and eviction - Shelter England
Citizens Advice Bureau also has some helpful information: If you get a ‘section 8’ eviction notice - Citizens Advice