Being told that you need to leave your home can be extremely unsettling.
Perhaps your landlord has sent you a formal notice. Maybe you have received an email or message asking you to move out. You might simply have been told verbally that the landlord wants the property back.
Whatever has happened, being asked to leave does not necessarily mean that you must pack your belongings and move out immediately.
There is a legal process landlords generally need to follow when seeking possession of a rented property.
Start by checking what you have received
If your landlord has given you a notice or any other formal documentation, keep it safe.
The type of notice, the reason given for seeking possession, the date it was served and the date by which the landlord says you should leave can all be important.
Keep the envelope if the notice arrived by post and retain copies of relevant emails and messages.
Most importantly, don’t ignore court documents or formal correspondence simply because you disagree with what your landlord is saying.
If you do not understand what you have received, obtaining advice early can help you establish what it means and what you need to do next.
Can my landlord simply tell me to leave?
In most cases, a landlord cannot simply require a residential tenant to leave immediately because they want their property back.
The law surrounding private rented properties in England changed significantly in 2026, including the abolition of the previous Section 21 “no-fault” eviction procedure.
Landlords seeking possession generally need to establish an applicable legal ground and follow the appropriate process.
Exactly which rules apply will depend upon the type of tenancy and your individual circumstances.
Why might my landlord want the property back?
There are various reasons why a landlord might seek possession.
These can include rent arrears, breaches of tenancy obligations, antisocial behaviour or other problems connected with the tenancy.
There are also circumstances in which landlords may seek possession because they intend to sell the property or because they or certain family members intend to occupy it.
The important point is that a landlord wanting their property back and a landlord being legally entitled to recover possession at that particular time are not necessarily the same thing.
The appropriate procedure still needs to be followed.
What if I owe rent?
Rent arrears are a common reason for possession proceedings.
If you have fallen behind, do not ignore the situation.
Check the amount your landlord says is outstanding against your own bank statements and payment records.
If you believe the figure is incorrect, identify why.
If you accept that rent is outstanding, communicating with your landlord may help establish whether an arrangement can be reached.
Keep a written record of any payment proposal or agreement.
Because rent arrears may provide a basis for possession proceedings, it can be particularly important to seek advice if you have received formal notice.
What if I disagree with my landlord?
You may dispute the reason your landlord has given for seeking possession.
For example, your landlord may allege that you have failed to pay rent when you believe payments are up to date. There may be an allegation that you breached the tenancy agreement or caused damage to the property which you dispute.
Evidence can become extremely important.
Keep your tenancy documents, bank statements or rent receipts, photographs, emails, text messages and records of conversations.
Does receiving notice mean I have been evicted?
No. Receiving notice is not the same as being physically evicted from the property.
Depending on the circumstances, if a tenant remains after the relevant notice period has expired, a landlord may need to take further legal steps to obtain possession.
If proceedings are issued, you should read the court documents carefully and make sure you understand any deadlines.
Do not assume that continuing discussions with your landlord means formal documents can be ignored.
Can my landlord change the locks?
Landlords should not simply take matters into their own hands because they want a tenant to leave.
Attempting to remove a residential occupier without following the appropriate legal procedure can raise serious issues.
If your landlord is threatening to change the locks, remove your belongings, disconnect services or otherwise force you from the property, seek advice urgently.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Housing disputes can develop quickly once formal possession action begins.
Getting advice early can help you understand why your landlord is seeking possession, what procedure is being followed and whether there are issues you should raise.
How Penerley can help
Being involved in a dispute concerning your home can be stressful and confusing.
Penerley can advise on residential tenancy disputes and possession matters, helping you understand your legal position and the practical options available.
If your landlord has asked you to leave, served notice or started possession proceedings, contact Penerley as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
