If you are a landlord dealing with rent arrears, the appropriate legal steps depend on the type of tenancy and the circumstances. You may be able to seek recovery of the unpaid rent and, where the legal requirements are met, possession of the property. You should follow the correct statutory process rather than attempting to remove the tenant yourself. 

For current assured private tenancies in England, Section 21 no-fault possession is no longer available from 1 May 2026. Landlords generally need to rely on one of the statutory grounds for possession and follow the applicable notice and court process. The relevant grounds and procedure depend on the circumstances

For most assured private tenancies, if you remain in the property after the relevant notice period, the landlord generally needs to obtain a possession order from the court before enforcement can take place. The exact position can depend on the type of tenancy and circumstances

Do not ignore it. The notice should be reviewed carefully to determine whether it is valid, what grounds are being relied upon and what you need to do next. If court proceedings have already started, there may be important deadlines for responding. Obtaining legal advice promptly can help you understand your options

Generally, a landlord should give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice before entering to inspect the property or carry out repairs, unless there is an emergency or another legal basis for immediate access.  The tenant generally has the right to remain in the property during repairs.

Landlords have legal responsibilities concerning certain repairs and the safety and condition of rented properties. If a landlord fails to address relevant repair obligations, a tenant may have various options depending on the circumstances, which can include contacting the local authority or pursuing a legal claim. 

Not automatically. For relevant tenancies where a deposit has b een protected, deductions may be proposed for matters such as unpaid rent or damage that falls within the applicable rules. If the landlord and tenant disagree about deductions, the relevant tenancy deposit scheme may provide an alternative dispute resolution service. 

Deposit protection requirements can apply to certain private rented tenancies. If you believe your deposit has not been dealt with in accordance with the applicable rules, you should obtain legal advice because there may be consequences for the landlord and potential remedies available to the tenant

A landlord must not simply bypass the legal possession process where a tenant has protection under the applicable tenancy law. Unlawful eviction and harassment are serious matters. If you believe you have been unlawfully removed or threatened with unlawful eviction, you should obtain legal advice promptly. 

Potentially. A landlord may be able to seek compensation where a tenant is legally responsible for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Depending on the circumstances, the landlord may seek an appropriate deduction from a protected deposit or pursue a separate claim for losses.

Yes. Negotiation, written correspondence and mediation can sometimes help landlords and tenants reach an agreement without court proceedings. GOV.UK guidance recommends considering mediation where appropriate because it can be quicker and less expensive than going to court.

Yes. MYM Solicitors can advise clients on landlord and tenant disputes based on their individual circumstances. We can assist with matters including tenancy disputes, rent arrears, repairs, deposits, possession, eviction-related issues, negotiations and court proceedings where appropriate.