Evicting a Tenant for Rent Arrears: A Guide
If your tenant is in serious rent arrears and you are considering possession, it is essential to follow the correct process. This guide explains how it works in England following the private-renting rule changes of 1 May 2026 — and how our platform helps you prepare the paperwork. For advice on your specific case, speak to a qualified property solicitor.
Possession for Rent Arrears After May 2026
England's private-renting rules changed on 1 May 2026, but rent arrears remain valid grounds for possession under Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988. Landlords can generally still rely on Ground 8 (mandatory, where at least two months' rent is unpaid at both the date of the notice and the hearing) and Grounds 10 and 11 (discretionary, covering arrears or persistently late rent).
The Section 8 Process in Outline
Seeking possession for arrears usually starts with a correctly completed Section 8 notice setting out the grounds and the particulars of the arrears. Once the notice period expires, you can apply to the court for a possession order. Because an incorrectly drafted or served notice can be rejected, many landlords take legal advice at this stage. Our tools help you prepare the underlying evidence and the arrears figures accurately.
The Debt Does Not Disappear on Possession
Regaining possession ends the tenancy but does not write off the arrears. You may still be able to pursue the outstanding rent through a County Court money claim, sometimes alongside the possession proceedings. A solicitor can advise on combining the two; our platform helps you keep the arrears evidence organised throughout.
Why Choose RentDebt.co.uk
- Clear, up-to-date guidance on the post-May 2026 rules
- Prepare accurate arrears figures and evidence
- Keep proof of what was sent and when
- Hand a complete file to your solicitor for the notice and hearing
- Not a firm of solicitors — for advice, use a qualified property solicitor
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