Regain control of your property quickly and efficiently.
If you’re a landlord who has rented your property under an assured shorthold tenancy, there may be many reasons why you wish to regain possession of your property. This could be because you intend to sell, move back in yourself, or simply no longer wish to continue with the tenancy. Whatever the reason, when looking to evict tenants, it is important that the correct legal procedures are followed to avoid the risk of claims against you for unlawful eviction.
At AST Assistance, we provide clear guidance and support to help you end the tenancy legally. We act in line with the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the Housing Act 1988, making certain every step complies with the relevant regulations. From serving notice through to representation in court, our team manages the process carefully so that you can regain possession of your property knowing the matter has been dealt with correctly.
We cover the full eviction process, including advising on notice requirements, timeframes, and the Section 21 court process if your tenant does not leave by the specified date. If possession proceedings become necessary, we can assist with court applications, possession orders, and arranging enforcement by bailiffs where required.
Call 01706 619 954, email info@ast-assistance.com, or fill in our online form to speak to one of our team
Our approach to Section 21 evictions
We help landlords carry out Section 21 evictions lawfully and effectively. Regaining possession of a property requires careful handling, and every step must comply with UK regulations. Our experienced team works with landlords of all sizes, from those letting a single property to those managing larger portfolios, to make the process clear, structured, and efficient.
A Section 21 notice must be comprehensive and served correctly in line with legal expectations. Even small errors can result in delays, additional costs, or the notice being thrown out altogether. We prepare notices carefully, manage the process from start to finish, and coordinate with independent solicitors where legal proceedings are needed.
In addition to progressing with formal eviction proceedings, AST Assistance also provides mediation services. This offers landlords and tenants the opportunity to resolve issues amicably without the immediate need for court action. Mediation can help to achieve an agreement that allows both parties to move forward more smoothly, potentially saving time, reducing disruption, and preserving tenancy relationships where possible. By exploring mediation first, landlords can often avoid the stress and cost of a contested eviction, while still retaining the option to proceed with formal action if no resolution can be reached.
Step 1 - Take control
We begin by taking control of the situation, relieving you of the administrative and practical pressures that come with the eviction process. This stage can include:
- Issuing notices: drafting and serving a valid notice that complies with all statutory requirements.
- Managing the tenancy: handling communications with the tenant and managing the tenancy while proceedings are ongoing.
- Starting debt recovery: where rent arrears exist, initiating recovery action to protect your financial position.
Step 2 - Take action
When the notice period has expired, we work with our trusted panel of independent solicitors to move the matter forward. At this stage, we will arrange for:
- Preparation of court paperwork: arranging for all required legal documents to be completed accurately.
- Submitting claims: following your approval, the possession claim will be filed with the court.
Step 3 - Take it to Court
If your case proceeds to a court hearing, our independent solicitors will manage the legal process on your behalf. This includes:
- Preparing and presenting bundles: compiling all evidence and documentation in the correct format in preparation for the court hearing.
- Handling queries: addressing any questions or challenges raised by the tenant or by the court.
- Providing representation: arranging for a legal professional to attend the hearing and advocate for your position.
Step 4 - Take possession
If the court grants an eviction warrant and the tenant still refuses to leave by the fixed end date set, we will arrange for enforcement. This stage may involve:
- Instructing bailiffs: engaging enforcement officers to lawfully recover possession of your property.
- Arranging attendance: coordinating attendance at the eviction to spare you from any direct confrontation with the tenant.
Throughout each stage, AST Assistance oversees the process so it progresses without unnecessary delay. By combining our knowledge of tenancy law with the support of our independent solicitors, we provide you with a lawful and structured route to regain possession of your property
Section 21 packages
Stage one packages - fees starting from £70 |
|
Services |
Description |
| Bronze | AST Assistance will draft a legally compliant eviction notice, tailored to your circumstances and ready to be served on your tenant. Once completed, we will share the notice with you for your approval before you then serve the Notice on the tenant. |
| Silver | We will review the information you have provided to confirm that all required pre-serving documentation is in place. Once this has been verified, we will draft an eviction notice that is fully prepared and ready for you to serve on your tenant. |
| Gold | We will write to the tenant to introduce ourselves, provide all required pre-serving documentation, prepare and serve an eviction notice on your behalf and manage all communication with the tenant until the eviction has been finalised and the notice end date has passed. |
Additional packages - fees starting from £250 |
|
Stages |
Description |
| Stage two | Our trusted independent solicitor will carefully prepare all the necessary paperwork to request a possession order from the court. This includes reviewing the details of your case, drafting the application with precision, and submitting it on your behalf. They will also oversee the process to make sure everything progresses smoothly and within the required legal framework. |
| Stage three | Should your case be called to a hearing (in the instance that your tenant defends or the judge requires additional discussion), our solicitor will arrange the paperwork and court representation. |
| Stage four | Should the tenant fail to vacate the property once a possession order has been granted, we will manage the full process of instructing County Court bailiffs. This includes preparing and submitting the required application to the court, organising dates for attendance, and liaising directly with the bailiffs to coordinate access. We will also keep you updated throughout, handling all communication and arrangements until the eviction has been completed. |
| Completion | File closure admin and filing fee. |
Mediation - fees starting from £250 |
|
Services |
Description |
| Mediation letter | AST Assistance provides a mediation letter drafting service, preparing clear and professional letters that open negotiations with tenants. This approach encourages amicable resolutions, helping to reduce conflict and disruption while keeping formal legal action available if needed. |
| Full mediation service | Our associated qualified mediator will write a letter and initiate communication with your tenant, setting out the issues in a clear and professional manner. From there, they will manage all correspondence, organising discussions and mediating between you and your tenant to keep dialogue constructive. Our aim is to help both parties reach an amicable agreement wherever possible, reducing the stress, time and disruption that can come with formal eviction proceedings. |
FAQs about Section 21 no-fault evictions
What is a Section 21 notice?
A Section 21 notice, often referred to as a “no-fault eviction,” allows landlords to regain possession of their property without having to give a specific reason after the end of a fixed term tenancy. This means tenants can be asked to leave by the eviction date even if they have not breached the terms of their tenancy agreement, such as by falling into rent arrears or causing damage. The notice must, however, be served correctly and in full compliance with UK regulations for it to be valid.
How much does a Section 21 cost?
The cost of serving a Section 21 notice will depend on the circumstances of the tenancy. When drafted by a solicitor, the notice itself is usually around £200. If the tenant does not leave at the end of the notice period, further steps may be required. Applying to the court for a possession order currently involves a fee of £404, and if the tenant still refuses to vacate, a warrant for possession may also be necessary at an additional cost. Where the court rules in favour of the landlord, it may order the tenant to pay court costs and the additional fees, although payment is not guaranteed.
We can draft clear and comprehensive notices, guide you through the costs linked with Section 21 evictions, and work to keep expenses to a minimum while progressing the process as efficiently as possible.
How long is a Section 21 notice valid for?
A Section 21 notice is valid for six months from the date you give notice. If court proceedings have not been started within that period, a new notice will need to be issued for the eviction process to continue. Serving the notice correctly and monitoring the timeline is essential to avoid unnecessary delays.
Can landlords change locks after Section 21 notices are given?
You cannot change the locks on your property simply because a Section 21 notice has been served. Until the tenant has officially left or has been removed through a court order enforced by bailiffs, changing the locks would be unlawful. Doing so is treated as an illegal eviction and may expose you to serious legal and financial consequences.
AST Assistance can support you in evicting tenants lawfully and without delay, preparing comprehensive paperwork and arranging for High Court bailiffs where enforcement is needed to regain possession of your property.
How long does a Section 21 take?
Serving a Section 21 notice requires a minimum notice period of two months, but the full process can extend to six months or longer. The timeline depends largely on whether the tenant leaves by the end of the notice period. If they do not, the landlord must apply for a court possession order, which can add several weeks or even months. In cases where the tenant still refuses to vacate, enforcement by bailiffs may be required, further lengthening the process.
AST Assistance can advise on the likely timeline for your Section 21 eviction based on your circumstances. Get in touch today to discuss your situation with our team.
Contact us
Contact us today and find out how we can help you reclaim your property. Call 01706 619 954, email info@ast-assistance.com, or fill in our online contact form.
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