This is a web version of our Evictions and overcrowding factsheet (PDF, 158.72 KB).
The information on this page was correct at the time of publication (1 May 2026).
Is your landlord forcing you to leave?
Your landlord is not allowed to harass you or make you feel unsafe.
Your eviction could be illegal.
You must tell us if your landlord is forcing you to leave your home.
There is a legal process your landlord must follow before they can evict you.
Are you finding it hard to pay your rent or mortgage?
There are several ways you could get help to pay your housing costs. For example, if you claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you could apply for a housing payment (HP).
Have you received an eviction notice or a possession order?
If your landlord wants you to leave, they usually have to give you a formal notice.
The type of notice your landlord should give you will depend on your living arrangements. For example, if you are a private tenant or a lodger.
Are you a private tenant?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 provides greater protection for private tenants.
From 1 May 2026, landlords must use a ‘Section 8’ notice and give a valid legal reason to evict you.
This can include rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. They can also evict you if they want to move into the property or sell it.
The amount of notice you get will depend on the ‘grounds’ (or reason) for evicting you. For most grounds, you should get at least 4 months’ notice. For other grounds, you could be evicted with no notice (by immediate court action) or get 2 weeks’ notice.
Your landlord could also ask the court for a ‘possession order’. This usually gives you 14 days to leave the home. However, in rare cases, the court may allow more time. If you do not move out, the landlord must apply for bailiffs to carry out the eviction.
Are you a lodger?
Do you live in the same home with your landlord and share facilities (for example, a kitchen or bathroom) with them? If so, you may be a lodger.
If you are a lodger, your landlord can usually ask you to leave with reasonable notice. The notice you get will depend on your agreement with the landlord.
Your notice could be short (e.g. one week). Also, as a lodger, your landlord might not have to give you a specific legal reason for asking you to leave.
Don’t want to move out?
If it is safe for you to stay – and you are still in the notice period – then do not leave the property straight away.
Why? Because you must first make sure the eviction notice is valid. If the notice is not valid then your eviction might not be legal.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to get help to stay in your property and/or challenge the eviction.
Your landlord must follow the correct legal process to evict you. The notice must use the correct legal ‘ground’, and have the correct time period. Also, the notice must be properly completed and served. If this is not done, the eviction notice may be invalid.
To evict a private tenant, landlords must (from 1 May 2026) use a ‘Section 8’ notice to seek possession. They must give a valid ‘ground’ for evicting you. You may be able to challenge the eviction in court, depending on the reason or ‘ground’ for eviction.
If the eviction notice is valid, and you cannot remain in the home, you should try to find another home you can afford to live in.
What kind of help can we offer if you are being evicted?
We offer free advice on evictions. However, the help – and housing support – we can provide will depend on your circumstances.
Are you living with family or friends who have asked you to move out?
Tell us as soon as you can.
If it is safe, try to stay until you have somewhere else to live.
The help we can provide will depend on your needs. For example, we could help you discuss ways to stay.
We could also advise you on ways to find a home in the private rented sector. If you are eligible, we could help you to pay your deposit and one month’s rent in advance after you find a new home.
Are you living in an overcrowded home?
The law tells us what to consider when we decide if a home is ‘overcrowded’.
The occupants, the rooms, and the space in your home will help us determine if your home is legally defined as overcrowded.
References and further advice
Overcrowding
If you think your home is overcrowded.
Overcrowding: Part X of the Housing Act 1985.
Evictions advice
For evictions advice, use our free interactive housing advice service.
Advice from Shelter if you are asked to leave by family or friends.
What to do if your landlord asks you to leave.
‘Section 8’ and legal eviction reasons (GOV.UK).
Harassment and illegal evictions (GOV.UK).
Eviction for rent arrears (Citizens Advice).
Arrears and paying your housing costs
Help you can get to pay your rent/housing costs.
Your rights as a private tenant
Private renting including tenancy types (GOV.UK).
Renters’ Rights Act 2025 information for private tenants (GOV.UK).
Information for private tenants in Enfield.
Further advice and help
Avoid homelessness: advice for private renters.
How to find a property to rent
You can get free legal advice from the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (GOV.UK).