Mang & Co. Solicitors

The notice period a landlord must provide depends on the grounds for eviction and the type of tenancy. Under a standard assured shorthold tenancy, a landlord must serve a minimum of two months’ notice under Section 21 (a no-fault eviction). Where there are specific grounds — such as rent arrears or breach of tenancy terms — a Section 8 notice may be used, with notice periods ranging from two weeks to two months depending on the ground relied upon. A landlord cannot lawfully remove a tenant without a valid court order.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally required to keep the structure, exterior, and essential services of a property in good repair. If your landlord has been notified of a defect and failed to act within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to bring a housing disrepair claim. This can result in the landlord being ordered to carry out the repairs and, in many cases, to pay you compensation for any inconvenience, damage to belongings, or harm to your health caused by the disrepair.

No. Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, a landlord is required to give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering a rented property, and access must be at a reasonable time of day. Entering a property without proper notice or consent may constitute harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 or unlawful interference with your right to quiet enjoyment. If your landlord is repeatedly entering without notice, you may have grounds to apply for an injunction.

An illegal eviction occurs when a landlord removes or attempts to remove a tenant without following the proper legal process — for example, by changing the locks, removing belongings, or cutting off utilities. This is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. If you have been illegally evicted, you may apply to the court for an emergency injunction to be reinstated to the property and may also be entitled to claim damages. We strongly advise seeking legal advice immediately if you believe you have been unlawfully evicted.

Not necessarily. Being in rent arrears does not mean eviction is inevitable. There are a number of steps that can be taken before matters reach court, including negotiating a repayment plan with your landlord, applying for emergency housing benefit, or seeking a suspension of any possession order. Courts also have discretion to adjourn or suspend possession proceedings where a tenant demonstrates a genuine willingness to repay outstanding amounts. Early legal advice greatly improves your chances of remaining in your home.

A Section 21 notice is a no-fault notice, meaning the landlord does not need to provide a reason for seeking possession — they simply wish to end the tenancy. A Section 8 notice, by contrast, is issued on specific statutory grounds, most commonly rent arrears or breach of tenancy conditions. Both types of notice must comply with strict procedural requirements, and either can be challenged if they have not been served correctly. A solicitor can advise you on whether a notice you have received is valid and what your options are.

Legal aid may be available for certain housing matters, subject to both a merits test and a financial eligibility test administered by the Legal Aid Agency. Mang & Co Solicitors holds a Legal Aid contract in housing law, meaning we are able to assess your eligibility and, where applicable, represent you at no personal cost. Emergency legal aid can also be applied for in exceptional circumstances. We encourage you to contact us at the earliest opportunity so that we can assess your position and advise on the most appropriate funding route for your case.