Regain control of your property quickly and efficiently.
When tenants fail to comply with the terms of their tenancy, landlords can face financial loss and unnecessary stress. Protecting your investment and regaining possession of your property requires a careful, structured approach that complies fully with UK regulations such as the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the Housing Act 1988. Attempting to evict a tenant without following the correct legal process can result in delays, additional costs, and potential legal repercussions.
At AST Assistance, we provide clear guidance and practical support to help landlords through the eviction process through our fixed fee tenant eviction services. Whether your tenant is in rent arrears, has breached the tenancy agreement, or is refusing to leave at the end of a tenancy, our team will work with you to resolve the matter efficiently. We focus on safeguarding your rights as a landlord while ensuring every step is legally compliant, minimising the risk of disputes or challenges.
Our aim is to help you regain possession of your property promptly and lawfully, so you can move forward with confidence.
Call 01706 619 954, email info@ast-assistance.com, or fill in our online form to speak to a member of our team.
How we approach evictions
We provide landlords with structured, legally compliant support throughout the eviction process. With extensive knowledge and a professional approach, we can assist both landlords with a single rental property and those managing larger portfolios as part of our tenant eviction service.
Issuing notices
We prepare and serve the correct legal notices to your tenant, making sure they meet all statutory requirements. The type of notice will depend on the circumstances, such as rent arrears or breaches of tenancy. Getting this right at the outset avoids unnecessary delays later in the process.
Managing the tenancy
While eviction proceedings are underway, we can continue managing the tenancy for you. This reduces the stress of handling communications with the tenant directly and allows you to step back while the matter is dealt with appropriately.
Starting debt recovery
If rent arrears or other financial losses are involved, we can begin debt recovery action on your behalf. This ensures you are not only regaining possession of your property but also pursuing what is owed to you.
Preparing for court
When the notice period ends, we work with our trusted panel of independent solicitors to progress your case. This includes preparing the necessary court paperwork and, once you approve, submitting your claim to the courts. Accuracy and timing are central at this stage to prevent avoidable setbacks.
Court proceedings
If your case goes to court, our independent solicitors will handle every aspect of the process. They will prepare and present the county court papers, respond to any queries, and arrange legal representation to advocate for you during the court hearing. This ensures your interests are properly represented throughout.
Enforcing possession
Should the tenant fail to vacate the property by the eviction date set by the judge, high court bailiffs can be instructed to enforce possession. We can also arrange attendance at the eviction, sparing you any direct confrontation with the tenant.
Coordinating every step.
From issuing notices through to enforcement, we coordinate closely with solicitors at every stage of the eviction process timeline. This joined-up approach means the eviction process is carried out efficiently, lawfully, and with minimal disruption to you.
Our eviction services
Section 21 evictions
AST Assistance provides comprehensive support to landlords throughout the Section 21 eviction process. This route allows landlords to regain possession of their property without having to prove the tenant has breached the tenancy agreement, but it must be managed with strict compliance with UK housing law once the fixed end date of their tenancy has been reached.
We assist from the very beginning by preparing and serving the Section 21 eviction notice, making sure it is drafted correctly and delivered in line with statutory requirements. We also monitor the Section 21 notice period to confirm that all timelines are observed, as errors at this stage can cause costly delays.
If the tenant does not leave when the notice period ends, we can take the next steps on your behalf. This includes applying to the court for a possession order and managing the organisation of any subsequent legal proceedings. Through our trusted panel of independent solicitors, we coordinate all court documentation, ensure deadlines are met, and arrange representation should a hearing be necessary.
Our role is to streamline the process for landlords, reducing the risk of disputes and making sure your property is recovered lawfully and efficiently.
VIEW OUR SECTION 21 EVICTION SERVICES
Section 8 evictions
A Section 8 eviction notice can be served when a tenant breaches the terms of their tenancy agreement. Typical reasons include falling into rent arrears, causing damage to the property, or engaging in anti-social behaviour. Unlike a Section 21 notice, this route requires landlords to provide clear evidence of the breach and rely on one or more of the statutory grounds for possession.
At AST Assistance, we support landlords through every stage of the Section 8 process. We prepare and serve the notice correctly, setting out the appropriate grounds for possession in line with legal requirements. If the tenant does not leave at the end of the notice period, we can progress the matter further by applying to the courts. This may also involve seeking recovery of any rent arrears or costs linked to the breach.
Our approach is designed to make the process straightforward, protect your rights as a landlord, and help you recover both your property and any unpaid rent as quickly as possible.
VIEW OUR SECTION 8 EVICTION SERVICES
Additional services
Even once the eviction process has been completed, AST Assistance remains on hand to support you with the next steps. Whether you want to sell, re-let or simply remove the stress of managing your property, we provide a range of services designed to give you complete confidence and flexibility.
- Property sales: we can assist with the sale of your property, working closely with trusted partners to handle everything from marketing to conveyancing, making the process as straightforward as possible.
- Re-letting: if you wish to rent your property again, we can source reliable tenants, take care of all legal and compliance requirements, and prepare the necessary documentation so the tenancy is set up correctly from the start.
- Property management: our full management service takes care of the day-to-day running of your property, from tenant queries to maintenance and inspections, giving you the reassurance that everything is handled professionally on your behalf.
- Guaranteed Rent: with our rent-to-rent service, you no longer have to worry about whether the rent will be paid on time. We guarantee your rental income, providing financial stability and complete peace of mind.
By offering these additional services, AST Assistance allows you to choose the route that best suits your circumstances, while we handle the details. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your options and find out how we can support you moving forward.
FAQs about our landlords’ eviction service
How many months of rent arrears before eviction can be served?
A landlord can usually serve an eviction notice once a tenant has fallen into at least two months of rent arrears. This forms one of the statutory grounds for possession and, if proven, can allow the court to grant possession of the property.
To progress a case based on rent arrears, landlords must be able to evidence the outstanding rent. This often involves providing a clear rent schedule, tenancy agreement, and supporting documentation such as bank statements or payment records depending on how a tenant pays rent. The court will use this information to confirm the arrears and assess whether possession should be granted.
AST Assistance can advise on the preparation of these documents, helping landlords present a strong and accurate case when seeking possession on the grounds of rent arrears.
How long does an eviction take?
The time it takes to complete an eviction can vary widely. In some situations, the process may be resolved within a few months, while in others it can take more than six months. The exact timeframe depends on several factors, including the type of notice served, how quickly the court processes applications, and whether the tenant leaves voluntarily or requires enforcement action.
At AST Assistance, we assess each case individually and provide landlords with a realistic indication of how long the court eviction process - UK is likely to take in their circumstances. By reviewing the grounds for possession, the tenant’s conduct, and the current court timelines, we can give clear guidance on what to expect and how best to proceed.
What is the penalty for illegal evictions (UK)?
Carrying out an eviction without following the correct legal process is a criminal offence in the UK. Landlords who attempt to remove tenants illegally can face substantial fines or, in more serious cases, a prison sentence. They may also lose the legal right to rent out their property in the future. Examples of unlawful action include changing the locks without a court order, physically removing tenants, or using harassment to force a tenant to leave.
AST Assistance helps landlords avoid these risks by guiding them through the eviction process lawfully and efficiently. From preparing and serving the correct notice to coordinating any necessary court action, we make sure every step is compliant with UK regulations so landlords can regain possession of their property without exposing themselves to penalties.
Who pays court costs for an eviction (UK)?
In most cases, if the judge rules in the landlord’s favour, the tenant will be ordered to pay the landlord’s court costs. This is particularly common where the tenant has lost the case or acted unreasonably during the proceedings. However, the decision rests with the court, and landlords should be aware that cost recovery is not guaranteed in every situation.
What is a no-fault eviction?
A “no-fault eviction,” formally known as a Section 21 notice, is where a landlord seeks possession of a property when a fixed term tenancy ends. In these circumstances, the tenant may not have breached the terms of their agreement, but the landlord is entitled to regain possession provided they give the tenant the correct period of reasonable notice in line with legal requirements.
Get in touch
If you need to evict tenants, AST Assistance can provide the guidance and support you require. Call us on 01706 619 954, email info@ast-assistance.com, or complete our online form to speak to a member of our team.
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