The eviction process in England can take anywhere from 3 months to over a year, depending on whether the tenant contests the notice, court backlogs, and which notice type is used. Here is the full timeline.
🚨 Section 21 Abolished from 1 May 2026
Section 21 notices can only be served on or before 30 April 2026. From 1 May 2026, only Section 8 possession grounds apply. The Section 21 timeline below is relevant only for notices served before this date. If you are starting a new eviction from May 2026, use Section 8 only.
Must be served correctly with all pre-conditions met. Cannot be served in first 4 months of tenancy.
Minimum 2 months must be given. Tenant should vacate by this date voluntarily.
Apply to the court online via Money Claim Online or by post. Court fee applies.
For uncontested Section 21 cases, a standard possession order may be granted without a hearing (accelerated procedure).
If tenant still doesn't leave, apply for a warrant of possession. County court bailiff is instructed to remove the tenant.
Section 8 proceedings typically follow the same steps but the notice period for Ground 8 is only 2 weeks (compared to 2 months for Section 21). However, Section 8 cases are more likely to be contested, and the arrears must still exist at the court hearing — if the tenant pays up, the court may dismiss the claim.
Section 21 or Section 8. Legally compliant 2026. Free to preview.
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