How to Get an Eviction Notice in the UK

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Evictions are never an easy process, but as a landlord, there may come a time when you need to take legal action to regain possession of your property. Whether it is due to unpaid rent, breach of tenancy agreements, or unauthorized occupants, understanding how to get an eviction notice is the first step in legally and effectively removing tenants from your property.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about serving an eviction notice in the UK, the legal processes involved, and how Shergroup’s expert High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) can help you navigate this process quickly and efficiently.

Understanding Eviction Notices in the UK

An eviction notice is a legal document that notifies a tenant they must leave the property. The type of notice you serve depends on the situation, including the type of tenancy agreement in place and the reason for eviction.

1. Section 21 Notice – ‘No-Fault’ Eviction

Section 21 notice is used to reclaim possession of a property after the fixed term of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) ends. Landlords do not need to provide a reason for eviction, but they must ensure:

The tenancy deposit is properly protected in a government-approved scheme
The tenant has received an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Gas Safety Certificate, and How to Rent Guide
At least two months’ notice is given

Important | Due to recent changes in eviction laws, landlords should stay updated on current legislation, as restrictions apply to certain circumstances.

2. Section 8 Notice – For Breach of Tenancy

A Section 8 notice is used when a tenant has violated the terms of the tenancy agreement—for example:

Rent arrears (usually at least two months’ unpaid rent)
Property damage beyond normal wear and tear
Anti-social behavior

Unlike a Section 21, a Section 8 notice requires a specific legal reason for eviction, and landlords may need to attend a court hearing if the tenant contests the claim. The notice period can range from two weeks to two months, depending on the grounds used.

Steps to Serving an Eviction Notice Properly

Getting the eviction process right is critical to avoiding delays or legal challenges. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1 | Choose the Right Eviction Notice

Determine whether a Section 21 or Section 8 notice is appropriate for your situation. In some cases, landlords issue both notices simultaneously to cover all legal grounds.

Step 2 | Serve the Notice Correctly

The eviction notice must be delivered properly for it to be legally valid. You can serve it:

In person (ideal for confirmation)
By post (preferably recorded delivery)
Via email (only if the tenancy agreement allows this)

Keep proof of service, such as a signed receipt or postal tracking, to avoid disputes.

Step 3 | Wait for the Notice Period to Expire

Once served, tenants must be given the legal time to vacate the property. If they refuse to leave, landlords must apply for a possession order from the courts.

Step 4 | Apply for a Possession Order

If the tenant does not comply, landlords can apply for a Standard Possession Order (for Section 21 cases) or an Accelerated Possession Order (if no rent arrears exist). This process takes 6-8 weeks (about 2 months), depending on court availability.

Step 5 | Enforce the Eviction with High Court Enforcement

If the tenant still refuses to leave after the possession order is granted, landlords can escalate the case to the High Court for faster enforcement. Shergroup specializes in High Court eviction services, ensuring your property is recovered without unnecessary delays.

Want to see how Shergroup helps landlords enforce evictions? Watch us in action on Call the Bailiffs: Time to Pay Up and Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!

How Shergroup Can Help with Evictions

Dealing with evictions can be frustrating, time-consuming, and legally complex. At Shergroup, our expert High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) can:

Transfer your County Court Possession Order to the High Court for faster enforcement
Serve notices and handle all legal paperwork professionally
Remove tenants, squatters, or trespassers legally and efficiently
Provide property security solutions to prevent future issues