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 an assured periodic 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. On 1st May 2026, all assured shorthold tenancies automatically changed to assured periodic tenancies. This gives tenants who rent privately greater security as a landlord can only evict a tenant if there is a reason or ground to do so.
Can my landlord evict me?
You can only be evicted if your landlord does the following in the order set out below:
- First: They must give you a valid notice seeking possession, commonly known as an eviction notice or Section 8 notice. There are specific reasons, known as grounds, that they can give when they ask you to leave your rented home. Your landlord must state the specific grounds, or ground, they are using in the notice.
- Then: They must get a possession order from court if you haven't left by the date on the eviction notice.
- Finally: They must apply 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.
Read more about how your landlord can end your tenancy (GOV.UK)
If your landlord hasn't followed the proper steps, you might be able to challenge the eviction and stay in your home.
Read information on challenging a possession process (Shelter.org.uk)
If you receive any notice asking you to leave, court papers or possession orders you should seek legal advice. You should also make an online homelessness application as soon as possible.
Make a homelessness application as soon as you receive an eviction notice. The earlier we know, the sooner we can speak to your landlord and try to keep you 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 — the amount of time will depend on the grounds being used to seek possession. This is usually two months but can be up to four months.
- is given on the correct form — 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.
Check if your notice is valid (Shelter.org.uk)
If you have been given an eviction notice please remain in your home, if it is safe to do so, until a court tells you to leave.
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 homelessness application.
When to report your landlord
It is illegal for a private landlord to force you out without following the legal process. You should call the police if you feel unsafe because your landlord threatens you with violence or is physically violent.
You should report landlord to us if they:
- cut services like electricity or gas
- change the locks or withhold keys
- refuse to carry out repairs
- harass or intimidate you
How to report a poor quality private landlord.