I need help with an eviction notice

It is illegal for landlords to evict tenants by using methods such as changing locks while they are out, physically throwing them out, or preventing tenants getting into part or all of their home. If this happens, call the police.

Landlords must follow certain procedures to evict you. The first step your landlord has to take is to ask you to leave, which is usually done via a written notice in which the landlord serves notice of their intention to seek possession of the property and it must comply with the New Renters Right Act which you can read more about below. This may of course be mutually beneficial, as you may well be wishing to find alternative accommodation. If, however, you think the landlord is being unfair or unlawfully trying to evict you, you should seek legal advice at this point and speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Renters Right Act

From 1 May 2026, landlords can only evict you for specific legal reasons where something has gone wrong, such as:

• serious or repeated anti-social behaviour

• damaging the property

• being over 3 months behind on rent

• noise complaints (this is one of the most common issues for students, and under the new rules it can be used as a reason for eviction)

A landlord can also ask tenants to leave a property if they need it back after the first 12 months, either if they want to sell it, or if they or a close family member needs to move in. They must give 4 months’ notice to you if they want to do this.

If you are in an HMO (a house with 3 or more full-time student tenants), landlords can use a specific rule (“Ground 4A”) to end the tenancy between 1 June and 30 September, to re-let to students next year, but only if:

• they warned you in writing before 31 May and

• they give formal notice when they want you to leave

Please view more info on the Ground 4A rule.

The Student's Union can help you with initial advice and guidance or if you just want support. You can contact them to discuss your case further. This is a complicated area and you should always seek expert legal advice. If you are unsure about how to access local legal advice, you can also go to the MySurrey Hive to speak to an adviser who can offer appropriate referrals to local legal advice.