Possession Orders.

A Possession Order is a formal legal directive issued by a court that enables a landlord to lawfully reclaim possession of their property. These orders are typically implemented when a tenant has breached the terms of their tenancy agreement, for example by failing to pay rent, engaging in anti-social behaviour or remaining in the property after the expiry of a valid notice.
Possession oOrders are governed by a strict legal framework, including the Housing Act 1988, Civil Procedure Rules, Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and now the Renters’ Reform Act 2025, which together ensure that both landlords and tenants are treated fairly under the law. Failure to follow the correct legal process can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges for unlawful eviction.

To apply for a Possession oOrder, you must submit a claim to the County Court. This usually follows the service of a valid notice, such as a Section 8 or Section 21 Notice (Section 21 will soon be abolished). Our team can assist with preparing and submitting the claim on your behalf. Get in touch for legal advice.

A Warrant for Possession is enforced by County Court bailiffs and can take several weeks. A Writ of Possession is enforced by High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) and is typically faster. We offer in-house enforcement through our authorised HCEO for quicker results.

Yes, in many cases you can apply to have your County Court Possession Order transferred to the High Court for enforcement. This is often done to speed up the eviction process, especially when delays with County Court bailiffs are expected.

Evictions via a Writ of Possession are generally quicker than those using a Warrant for Possession. Once the writ is issued, enforcement can often take place within 7–14 days, depending on the circumstances.

Once issued, our authorised High Court Enforcement Officer will serve an eviction notice to the occupants. If they do not vacate within the notice period, our in-house enforcement agents will attend the property to carry out the eviction.

No. Evicting a tenant without a court order is illegal and may be considered harassment or unlawful eviction. Landlords must follow the correct legal process to avoid criminal or civil penalties.

Yes. If the total debt, including rent arrears and court costs, exceeds £600, you may apply for a Writ of Control to recover the money owed. This allows enforcement agents to seize goods from the debtor.

Landlords can apply to the courts for a Possession Order when the following criteria are met:

• A valid notice has already been served (will soon be only Section 8 Notices and Notices to Quit).
• The tenant has not vacated the property by the notice expiry date.
• The tenancy is a fully assured periodic tenancy.
• One or more legal grounds for possession are clearly stated, with evidence.
• The correct notice period has been given.
• No other possession proceedings are active.
• The property is located in England or Wales (different laws apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland).