Eviction rights and responsibilities

Eviction can be a costly and stressful experience for everyone involved and is often the last choice for landlords. Landlords and tenants have certain rights and responsibilities and there are strict procedures that must be followed. 

Landlords

We can offer landlords advice and support if they are considering giving notice to a tenant by offering:

• A dedicated point of contact within our housing solutions team
• Help with rent arrears
• Universal Credit support
• Specialised tenant support
• Help with communication issues

We would like landlords to speak with our Housing Solutions Service before serving a tenant with any Notice to Quit, to see if we can help in any way to keep those tenants in that home.

Tenants

If your landlord serves on you a Section 21 notice to end your tenancy and you are unable to find alternative accommodation you can contact our Housing Solutions Service to discuss what help they can offer you

Housing Loss Advice Prevention Service: Preventing eviction/housing loss 

The Housing Loss Advice Prevention Service (HLPAS) provides government-funded legal advice and representation (legal aid) to people facing possession proceedings which could result in the loss of their homes. If somebody receives a notice that they are being evicted, or are being illegally evicted from their home, they will be eligible to receive this free legal assistance.   

The HLPAS is delivered by housing law experts and is provided in two stages. The first stage involves giving tenants legal advice on housing, welfare benefits and debt issues, with the aim of resolving problems early and avoiding court proceedings where possible. The second stage provides in-court legal representation during possession hearings for those tenants whose cases cannot be solved out of court.   

To find nearby HLPAS providers, simply type your postcode and tick the box ‘Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service’ on GOV.​UK on this webpage: https://find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk/.

Additional Information

For up to date information please refer to:

• Gov.UK Evicting tenants (England and Wales)
• Shelter