Free guide — updated for the new rules in force from 1 May 2026
Free guide — updated for the new rules in force from 1 May 2026
Your tenant stopped paying rent. Now what?
Your tenant stopped paying rent. Now what?
Section 21 is gone. Every eviction now needs a court hearing, documented grounds, and the right paperwork — in the right order. One wrong step and you lose, no matter how much they owe you.
This free guide tells you exactly what to do, from the first missed payment to getting your property back.
I don't know where to start
The guide walks you through every step in order — from the moment rent goes unpaid to the day you get your keys back. No legal jargon. No jumping between tabs. Just the right steps, in the right sequence.
My own paperwork could sink the case
Under the new law, the court can refuse to hear your possession claim — even with six months of arrears — if your deposit isn't properly protected or you haven't given the tenant the right documents. The guide shows you what to check before you do anything else.
I sent a strongly worded letter
There's a new criminal offence for landlords who send letters that look like eviction notices but aren't valid Section 8 notices. The guide gives you the exact wording that's safe to use and explains precisely where the legal line is.
My tenant says they're on Universal Credit
This changes your options significantly. A chunk of the arrears may have to be excluded from your possession claim under the new rules. The guide explains what's excluded, what isn't, and how to protect your case regardless.
I offered a payment plan
Courts expect landlords to have offered a payment plan before issuing proceedings. But a plan with no written record can be used against you. The guide tells you how to do this properly.
I need to send two letters first
The court expects you to have written to the tenant with a full arrears breakdown, offered a repayment plan, and signposted free legal advice before you serve any notice. The guide includes the exact content both letters need to contain.
The Section 8 notice — what is Form 3A
It replaced the old Form 3 on 1 May 2026. Use the wrong form and your notice is invalid. The guide explains how to complete it, which grounds to cite, and how to calculate the notice period correctly.
How long is this going to take
The guide gives you an honest month-by-month timeline — from first missed payment to bailiff enforcement. In a straightforward case, expect 9–11 months. The guide helps you prepare for every scenario along the way.
My tenant will have a free solicitor
The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service provides free legal representation to tenants facing eviction. That solicitor will look for every gap in your evidence. The guide tells you exactly what they'll look for and how to close every line of attack before it opens.
I don't know where to start
The guide walks you through every step in order — from the moment rent goes unpaid to the day you get your keys back. No legal jargon. No jumping between tabs. Just the right steps, in the right sequence.
My own paperwork could sink the case
Under the new law, the court can refuse to hear your possession claim — even with six months of arrears — if your deposit isn't properly protected or you haven't given the tenant the right documents. The guide shows you what to check before you do anything else.
I sent a strongly worded letter
There's a new criminal offence for landlords who send letters that look like eviction notices but aren't valid Section 8 notices. The guide gives you the exact wording that's safe to use and explains precisely where the legal line is.
My tenant says they're on Universal Credit
This changes your options significantly. A chunk of the arrears may have to be excluded from your possession claim under the new rules. The guide explains what's excluded, what isn't, and how to protect your case regardless.
I offered a payment plan
Courts expect landlords to have offered a payment plan before issuing proceedings. But a plan with no written record can be used against you. The guide tells you how to do this properly.
I need to send two letters first
Courts expect landlords to have offered a payment plan before issuing proceedings. But a plan with no written record can be used against you. The guide tells you how to do this properly.
The Section 8 notice — what is Form 3A
It replaced the old Form 3 on 1 May 2026. Use the wrong form and your notice is invalid. The guide explains how to complete it, which grounds to cite, and how to calculate the notice period correctly.
How long is this going to take
The guide gives you an honest month-by-month timeline — from first missed payment to bailiff enforcement. In a straightforward case, expect 9–11 months. The guide helps you prepare for every scenario along the way.
My tenant will have a free solicitor
The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service provides free legal representation to tenants facing eviction. That solicitor will look for every gap in your evidence. The guide tells you exactly what they'll look for and how to close every line of attack before it opens.
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Disclaimer
Disclaimer
DocRight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Always seek independent legal advice before serving notices or issuing court proceedings.
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