Got an eviction notice?
Find out what help you can get if you live in rented accommodation in Liverpool and have been given an eviction notice.
The advice on this page is for anyone with either an assured shorthold tenancy or assured tenancy. This generally means that you rent from a private landlord, don’t live with your landlord, and started renting on or after 15th January 1989.
From 1st May 2026, all assured shorthold tenancies will automatically change to a periodic assured tenancy. This will give tenants greater security as a landlord will only be able to evict a tenant if there is a reason or grounds for it.
Can my landlord evict me?
You can only be evicted if your landlord does all of the following:
- Gives you a valid eviction notice first.
- Gets a possession order from court if you haven't left by the date on the eviction notice.
- Applies to the court for a warrant of possession if you haven't left by the date on the possession order.
If the court issues a warrant of possession, bailiffs can make you leave your home. They’ll give you 14 days’ notice to move out.
If your landlord hasn't followed the proper steps, you might be able to challenge the eviction and stay in your home.
Information on challenging a possession process (Shelter.org.uk)
If you receive a notice asking you to leave or any court papers or possession orders, you should seek legal advice. You should also make a homeless application.
The sooner we know about an eviction notice the better, so we can speak to your landlord and try to ensure you can stay in your home.
Is my eviction notice valid?
Your landlord must give you a valid notice if they want you to leave. A notice is only valid if it:
- gives you enough time — landlords must, by law, give a minimum of 8 weeks’ notice.
- is given on the correct form — form 6A for a Section 21 notice, or form 3 for a Section S8 notice.
- has the correct information on it — if a word is spelt incorrectly or the dates are wrong, it may mean the notice is not valid.
The law is changing. The legal use of Section 21 notices will end on 1st May 2026. If you have received a Section 21 notice before this date, check if the notice is valid.
If you have been give a Section 21 notice please remain in your home, if it is safe to do so, until a court tells you to leave.
In Liverpool, landlords who rent in certain area of the city must also have a licence. If they should be licensed and are not, an eviction notice will be invalid. Check our licensing register.
What you can do
If you have an eviction notice, please contact either Shelter or Citizens Advice for free legal advice using the links below.
How we can help
If you have already sought free legal advice from either Shelter or Citizens Advice, and they tell you to contact us, please make an online homeless application.
When to call the police
It is illegal for a private landlord to force you out without following the legal process. Contact the police if your landlord:
- issues threats or is physically violent
- cuts services like electricity or gas
- changes the locks or withholds keys
- refuses to carry out repairs
- harasses or intimidates you
You can also report a poor quality private landlord.