Evicting Your Tenant
Evictions have been very difficult over the years. What Landlord Eviction Solicitors and agents fail to realise is that the laws protecting tenants are found across various statutes. Landlords need to ensure they comply with them all.
Since Covid-19, the government has put many different statutory instruments in place to protect tenants. This has meant is has become even more difficult for landlords.
At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we ensure that all members of our team are up to date with the latest legal developments. Our team regularly attends training to facilitate this. Whether your case is straightforward or difficult, make contact with our offices to ensure that you are comprehensively advised on your matter and you stand the best prospect of success.
Never try to evict your tenant without a court order. It is unlawful and you could be prosecuted. Illegal eviction is a criminal offence. To make sure that your actions and approach comply with the law, please visit our offices to be guided through this process seamlessly.
Overview from our Landlord Eviction Solicitors in London
A landlord may have the right to start possession procedures if a residential tenant has violated the conditions of their tenancy agreement. Through this legal procedure, landlords can reclaim their property and, if required, evict tenants.
Our experienced landlord eviction solicitors in London regularly assist landlords across Greater London, including private landlords, property investors, and letting agents, with eviction notices, possession claims, and court proceedings.
Landlord Legal Responsibilities Before Eviction
In England, landlord and tenant legislation is always changing, and eviction may be postponed or avoided if statutory requirements are not met. Landlords are required to make sure they have fulfilled all legal criteria before to serving a legitimate Section 21 or Section 8 notice.
Landlords must provide tenants with the correct documentation, including:
-
A copy of the relevant property licence (where the property is subject to HMO or selective licensing in London boroughs)
-
A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
-
An up-to-date Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
-
The latest How to Rent Guide
-
A valid Gas Safety Certificate
-
Deposit protection certificate and the prescribed information (where a deposit has been taken)
Failure to provide these documents can invalidate an eviction notice and may prevent landlords from regaining possession of their property.
The first action to be undertaken is to go over the tenancy record. If it is judged to be necessary, the preparation of a section 8 or section 21 notice will demand an additional fee. This can be done by our Section 21 Notice Solicitors at Adam Bernard Solicitors.
We will check your rental dossier to confirm that all the necessary documents and data have been given to the tenant making sure any notices already issued were done correctly.
Our Solicitors for Tenant Eviction can draft and provide the necessary notices for service, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We will keep track of all dates, report on their progress, and ensure that you are well informed. If requested, we can also serve those notices for you.
Our Solicitors for Landlords at Adam Bernard Solicitors will submit your claim, inform you of its progress, and provide a copy of the possession order when it is granted.
In the absence of a defence submission, our Landlord Eviction Solicitors in London are prepared to provide you with an accurate cost proposal tailored to your case’s next steps. Should one be received, we are happy to do the same.
The most effective way for landlords to regain possession of a property is by following the correct legal eviction procedures in London. Wherever possible, landlords should first attempt to reach an agreement with the tenant so that they vacate the property voluntarily. If this is unsuccessful, the next step is to serve a Section 21 notice (no-fault eviction) or, where applicable, a Section 8 notice. Once the notice period has expired, landlords can issue a possession claim at the County Court.
Our experienced Landlord Eviction Solicitors in London guide landlords through every stage of the eviction process, including serving valid notices, issuing court proceedings, and obtaining a possession order efficiently. The Solicitors for Landlords at Adam Bernard Solicitors will submit your claim, keep you updated on progress, and provide a copy of the possession order once granted.
If no defence is filed by the tenant, our London eviction lawyers will provide a clear and accurate fixed-fee cost proposal for the next steps. Where a defence is submitted, we will also advise on costs and strategy. Our housing solicitors in London offer comprehensive advice to help landlords avoid the risks and costs associated with unlawful eviction, ensuring compliance with landlord and tenant law.
What is the simplest way to remove a tenant is by following eviction procedures? Advice from our Landlord Eviction Solicitors
The most effective way to reclaim your property is to reach an agreement with the tenant, so they vacate the rental willingly. If this isn’t possible, landlords may need to take additional steps to get their residence back.
If you wish to evict a tenant, usually the best way forward is to issue them with a section 21 notice. This will initiate the process of applying for a possession order. Our Landlord Solicitors will be able to assist you with this.
What occurs if a tenant refuses to vacate the premises? Our Landlord Eviction Solicitors’ advice
If a tenant refuses to vacate after the valid notice period is over, then it is necessary to pursue formal possession proceedings in order to obtain a court order and ultimately evict them. Should your application be successful, the court will grant a possession order.
If the tenant persists in not vacating, you must then seek a warrant of possession. This will authorise you to request the services of bailiffs to regain control of your property. Moreover, employing High Court enforcement officers may be a faster way of doing so than using county court bailiffs. Our Landlord Solicitors can instruct the bailiff and aid you in this procedure.
Our Solicitors for Tenant Eviction explain that unlawfully removing a tenant from their residence without court approval is termed as eviction.
Our team of Solicitors for Landlords is available to offer advice and aid to a landlord who has been presented with an unlawful eviction suit by one of their tenants.
At Adam Bernard Solicitors our team of Solicitors for Tenant Eviction offers comprehensive guidance and aid to landlords in order to help avoid or reduce the expenses related to an unlawful eviction. We strive to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
Please contact us to book an appointment with our Landlord Solicitors at 02071002525.
Understand the Section 21 notice: what is it and why use it? Our Landlord Eviction Solicitors’ advice
This document is a commonly used method of evicting tenants. When looking to get your property back, two of the most usual methods are Section 8 and Section 21 notices. Our Landlord Eviction Solicitors offer advice here on how to go about serving a Section 21 notice, with our team of tenant eviction solicitors on hand.
This notice is to inform you that the landlord has decided to terminate your tenancy. It is necessary for you to vacate the property by the specified date in this notice.
A section 21 eviction, sometimes known as a “no fault” eviction, doesn’t require one to give a reason for seeking possession. All that has to be done is ensuring the fixed-term tenancy is over, and that all landlord duties have been fulfilled.
What are the benefits of Landlord Eviction Solicitors delivering this kind of notice?
Section 21 possession applications are expedited via the Accelerated Possession Procedure, with court proceedings handled without the need for a hearing. This paper-based procedure reduces delays, allowing for a swifter response. With the help of our Landlord Lawyers, you can swiftly obtain the outcome you are looking for, without the added stress of the proceedings.
If all criteria have been fulfilled, then the court is obliged to return possession of the property to the landlord if an application is made under Section 21. This is provided that the notices are valid and appropriate forms have been used.
Cost – Generally, the legal fees associated with a paper application for possession are low, with that being the case only if it is not contested.
How quickly can an eviction proceed in London
An eviction application (known as an application for possession) can be made as soon as the relevant notice period has expired. Depending on factors such as the renters standing, the type of property, the living arrangements and more will all have an impact on the type of notice that is needed.
If you are seeking to evict a tenant, lodger, occupier or short stay tenant, the notice period you have to provide will vary between 14 days – 28 days.
Once a valid legal notice has been served, an application for possession can be made immediately thereafter
What are the downsides of delivering a Section 21 Notice? Ask our Solicitors for Landlords
This document is a commonly used method of evicting tenants. When looking to get your property back, two of the most usual methods are Section 8 and Section 21 notices. Our Landlord Eviction Solicitors offer advice here on how to go about serving a Section 21 notice, with our team of tenant eviction solicitors on hand.
This notice is to inform you that the landlord has decided to terminate your tenancy. It is necessary for you to vacate the property by the specified date in this notice.
A section 21 eviction, sometimes known as a “no fault” eviction, doesn’t require one to give a reason for seeking possession. All that has to be done is ensuring the fixed-term tenancy is over, and that all landlord duties have been fulfilled.
What are bailiff warrant costsAn eviction application (known as an application for possession) can be made as soon as the relevant notice period has expired. Depending on factors such as the renters standing, the type of property, the living arrangements and more will all have an impact on the type of notice that is needed.
If you are seeking to evict a tenant, lodger, occupier or short stay tenant, the notice period you have to provide will vary between 14 days – 28 days.
Once a valid legal notice has been served, an application for possession can be made immediately thereafter
Do I need a solicitor to serve a Section 21 notice
The short answer is no, you do not need a Solicitor to draft and serve a s21 notice.
However, under the Housing Act 1988, an eviction under s21 will only proceed if all prescribed documents have been provided, the notice was served and the correct notice period is applied.
There is also the risk of a counter claim from a tenant where certain prescribed documents or information have not been provided.
Having a solicitor prepare your s21 notice not only ensures that it is prepared in accordance with the relevant legal framework, they can also advise you in advance of any potential risks which may result in a counterclaim.
Landlords are personally liable for court fees and counter claims, even where they have given full control of a property to an agent.
What is the general duration of an eviction process?
An application for possession can be made as soon as the relevant notice period has expired.
If you are seeking to evict a tenant, lodger, occupier or short stay tenant, the notice period you must provide will vary.
Once a valid legal notice has been served, an application for possession can be made immediately thereafter.
Common Eviction Mistakes
Whilst evicting a tenant ensure you avoid the following:
- Trying to physically remove a tenant without a court order
- Failing to protect deposits correctly
- Incorrectly Drafted or Served Notices
- Overlooking EPC, EICR, and licence requirements
We thoroughly review documents and the questionnaire to ensure these mistakes are committed.
How Adam Bernard Solicitors Help Landlords with Evictions
At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we provide specialist legal support to landlords seeking to regain possession of their property in London. Our Landlord Eviction Solicitors in London offer end-to-end management of the eviction process, ensuring full compliance with current landlord and tenant legislation.
We assist landlords by:
-
Reviewing tenancy agreements, compliance documents, and rental histories to assess the most effective eviction strategy
-
Advising on and preparing Section 21 notices and Section 8 notices in accordance with legal requirements
-
Drafting, serving, and managing all eviction notices and statutory documents
-
Issuing and progressing possession proceedings through the County Court
-
Handling all court correspondence and procedural requirements
-
Providing representation at possession hearings where required
-
Applying for warrants of possession and coordinating county court bailiffs or High Court enforcement officers
-
Advising on rent arrears recovery, guarantor claims, and cost-effective enforcement options
-
Identifying and mitigating risks to avoid delays, failed claims, or allegations of unlawful eviction
Why Landlords Choose Adam Bernard Solicitors
Dedicated Landlord & Tenant Solicitors in London
Proven experience across Greater London boroughs
Fixed-fee eviction services with transparent pricing
Fast, responsive communication and regular updates
Strong focus on legal compliance and risk prevention
Court representation and bailiff coordination
Advice tailored to private landlords, investors, and agents
Our priority is to deliver efficient, compliant, and cost-effective eviction solutions, giving landlords peace of mind and the best possible chance of regaining possession quickly.
Contact Adam Bernard Solicitors on 0207 100 2525 to speak with our Landlord Eviction Solicitors in London and book your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must serve a valid Section 21 or Section 8 notice, issue a possession claim, and obtain a court order before eviction.
The eviction process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on notice type, defences, and court availability.
No. Evicting a tenant without a court order is an illegal eviction and a criminal offence.
A valid Section 21 notice followed by an accelerated possession claim is often the fastest route, where applicable.
Yes, if the notice is invalid or required documents (EPC, Gas Safety, EICR, deposit protection) were not provided.
No, but using a landlord eviction solicitor reduces the risk of errors, delays, and counterclaims.
Costs vary, but we offer fixed-fee eviction services and provide clear cost estimates at each stage.
You must apply for a warrant of possession and instruct county court bailiffs or High Court enforcement officers.
