Can my landlord evict me without notice?

Question

My landlord has told me to be out by the weekend after a disagreement. I rent privately on an assured shorthold tenancy. Can they really make me leave with no notice?

Camila Lee · Accepted Answer

No. A private landlord cannot lawfully make you leave at short notice just because of a disagreement, and they cannot evict you themselves. For an assured shorthold tenancy in England, the landlord has to follow a legal process. That normally means serving a valid written notice, either a no-fault notice or a notice based on specific grounds such as rent arrears, then, if you do not leave, applying to the court for a possession order, and only then, if necessary, using court-appointed bailiffs to enforce it. Turning up to change the locks, remove your belongings or force you out is an illegal eviction, which is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, and harassment of a tenant is also unlawful. So being told to be out by the weekend does not create any obligation on you to go.

Scarlett Hughes · Answer

Practically, do not move out simply because you have been told to. Ask for any notice in writing and check that it is valid, because a defective notice cannot lead to a lawful eviction. If your landlord threatens to change the locks or remove your things, that is an illegal eviction and you can contact your local council's housing team and, if needed, the police, as well as taking legal advice. Keep records of what is said and done. General information only, as your exact rights depend on your tenancy type and where in the UK you rent.

Can my landlord evict me without notice?

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