What Happens When a Tenant Does not Pay Rent? 

If you are a landlord facing missed rent payments, you are not alone—and you are certainly not powerless. Whether you are managing a sole property or a portfolio of rentals, dealing with a tenant who refuses to pay rent is stressful and financially draining. Fortunately, UK law offers a clear path for landlords to recover unpaid rent and, if necessary, begin legal eviction proceedings. 

At Shergroup, we have helped thousands of landlords and letting agents across the UK regain control of their properties using High Court Enforcement—as highlighted on our hit TV shows, Call the Bailiffs: Time to Pay Up and the original series Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away. If you have ever watched those shows, you have seen firsthand how effective our team is at handling complex eviction cases. 

In this guide, we will walk you through the key steps to issue an eviction notice to a tenant for not paying rent, when to escalate the situation, and how to partner with a High Court Enforcement team for a fast resolution. 

Understanding the Legal Process | Eviction for Non-Payment of Rent 

When rent goes unpaid, landlords must act quickly but within the law. Here is how the eviction process typically works in the UK: 

1. Try to Resolve the Issue First 

Before issuing any notice, it is always worth trying to reach an agreement. Open communication can lead to a payment plan or a voluntary move-out, avoiding legal escalation. 

But if the tenant stops responding or continues to miss payments, it is time to take the next step. 

2. Serve a Section 8 Notice 

A Section 8 notice under the Housing Act 1988 is the formal eviction notice you will need. You can issue this notice if the tenant is at least 2 months (or 8 weeks) behind on rent. Grounds for eviction due to non-payment are clearly laid out and legally enforceable. 

• Ground 8 is mandatory (if rent arrears exceed 2 months) 
• Grounds 10 and 11 are discretionary and cover persistent overdue payment 

Tip: Make sure to use the correct form (Form 3) and give the appropriate notice period—usually 14 days (about 2 weeks). 

When to Escalate | Court Proceedings and High Court Enforcement 

1. Apply for a Possession Order 

If the tenant does not vacate after Section 8’s notice expires, the next step is to apply to the county court for a possession order. This grants you the legal right to evict the tenant. 

There are two types of possession orders: 

• Standard Possession Order (if you want rent arrears paid) 
• Accelerated Possession Order (faster, but only for regaining possession, not rent recovery) 

2. Transfer to High Court Enforcement (Shergroup’s Speciality) 

Once the possession order is granted, landlords can transfer the case to the High Court for enforcement. This is where Shergroup comes in. 

Using our team of authorised High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs), we help landlords: 

• Evict tenants faster than county court bailiffs 
• Recover unpaid rent through writs of control 
• Regain peace of mind 

You have seen it in action on Call the Bailiffs—when the paperwork is done right, our team can be on-site quickly, with the authority to act. 

Why Use High Court Enforcement Instead of County Court Bailiffs? 

Many landlords ask | “Why not just wait for county court bailiffs?” 

Here’s why thousands choose Shergroup instead: 

Using Shergroup’s Business Solutions Team, you will get expert guidance and a personalised strategy to resolve your case quickly, legally, and with minimum hassle. 

Real Stories, Real Results – As Seen on TV 

Have you seen our team in action on national TV? Shergroup’s expert High Court Enforcement Officers have featured in: 

• Call the Bailiffs: Time to Pay Up – Showing how we work with landlords and creditors to recover debts legally and compassionately. 
• Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away – A gripping behind-the-scenes look at the UK’s eviction process, featuring real stories from property owners and enforcement professionals. 

These shows demonstrate how professional, respectful enforcement can lead to a fast resolution—even in the most challenging circumstances. 

Do not Wait: Let Shergroup Help You Regain Control 

Being a landlord should not mean being out of pocket. If your tenant is not paying rent, and you are unsure where to turn, we are here to help. 

• Our team understands the legal framework and the emotional toll these situations bring. 
• We are action-driven, legally sound, and always on your side. 
• From eviction notices to High Court Enforcement, we handle it all. 

 Contact Shergroup Today 

If you are dealing with a non-paying tenant, do not wait any longer. 

By Phone  | 020 3588 4240
Website    | www.shergroup.com and you can chat to us from here
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Let Shergroup take the stress off your shoulders. We act fast, we act legally, and we act with purpose—so you can move forward with confidence.