Received a notice of eviction
If you remain in your home after the date on the Section 21 notice, your landlord may go to court to get permission to ask bailiffs to evict you.
A notice of eviction from a bailiff should state the date and time of eviction.
Bailiffs must give at least 14 days’ notice of the eviction date.
Bailiffs can only visit between 6am and 9pm, though most evictions are carried out between 9am and 5pm. You will be asked to leave the property when they arrive.
Find more information on what happens when bailiffs evict tenants on Shelter's website.
Only court‑appointed bailiffs can legally evict you from your home. It is a criminal offence for a landlord to pressure you to leave or evict you without following the legal process.
Find more information on illegal evictions and harassment.
What you should do next
This stage can feel urgent, but help is available, and it’s important to act quickly.
What you should do depends on the actions you have previously taken:
A) If you already applied for homelessness assistance and have an open homelessness case
Use the Homelessness Enquiry Form to notify your caseworker that you have received a notice of eviction.
When completing the form you will need to:
- Select option: 'My homelessness prevention application or temporary accommodation'.
- Enter the applicant's name, date of birth and case reference number.
- Select the option 'I am homeless tonight or will be in the next 2 weeks'.
- Provide details about your circumstances including the date of eviction.
- If possible, upload copy of the bailiff eviction notice.
- Enter an email and telephone number that you can be contacted on.
What happens next:
The information you provide will be reviewed and you will be contacted by your caseworker before the eviction date you provided.
You may be asked to provide copies of any legal documents (possession order or bailiff letter).
B) If you have not already applied for homelessness assistance and do NOT have an open homelessness case
If you are eligible, the council may be required to provide you with homelessness support.
To apply for assistance: submit a Homelessness Prevention Application
Upload a copy of the Section 21 notice and bailiff letter in your application.
Find details about the documents you will need to provide.
If you need help accessing a computer or scanners you can visit one of our libraries.
You can also get help filling out forms.
Provide as much information in your application as possible, to make sure your situation is understood and you are offered the correct support.
What happens next
After submitting your application, the council will:
- Review your application to determine if you are eligible for assistance and the urgency of your case.
- Contact you by phone or email, before the eviction date you provided in your application.
The Homeless Prevention Team will make three attempts to contact you over two days. If you do not respond to this, contact it may be assumed that you no longer require assistance and your application will be closed.
Other actions you can take
Prepare for the eviction date
On the day of the eviction, you should be ready to leave. The bailiffs do not have to allow you extra time to pack your belongings, so it is best to be ready before they arrive.
- Look for alternative housing. Find advice on where to look for private rented properties on Shelter's website.
- Make arrangements for storing your belongings.
Longer term housing options
The council only has a duty to provide temporary accommodation to people who are in priority need. Priority need is defined by government legislation.
Find information on who has priority need on Shelter's website.
The majority of people who are eligible for homelessness support will be assisted to find housing in the private rental sector.
Due to the limited supply of affordable accommodation in Newham, you may have to consider moving to other areas outside of Newham. Find more information in Newham's Housing Placements Policy.
It is advised that you search for accommodation that meets your preferences. If the property meets suitability and affordability requirements, housing officers can then support you in securing it.
Independent advice and support
Find independent advice from:
