What a Section 8 notice is
A Section 8 notice is an eviction notice. It means your landlord wants you to move out of the property.
You do not have to leave straight away
Your landlord can only make you leave if they complete all of these steps:
- Give you a valid Section 8 notice
- Get a possession order from the court
- Get a bailiff warrant to evict you
- Each step takes time. Eviction can take several months.
You have the right to stay in your home until bailiffs evict you.
Do not move out until you have a secure place to live.
If your landlord does not follow the legal process
If your landlord tries to make you leave without following these steps, it may be an illegal eviction.
Find more information about illegal eviction and harassment
What you can do now
- Keep paying your rent, if you can.
- Avoid signing a deed of surrender unless you are ready to leave. If you’re unsure, get advice first.
- Try not to leave your home early unless you have somewhere safe and secure to stay.
Leaving before you have somewhere safe to live may affect the help the council can provide.
