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What to do if your landlord has served you with notice

From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will give tenants new rights and introduce new rules for private landlords.

If your landlord wants to end your tenancy

From 1 May 2026 your landlord will need a legal reason to evict you. These reasons are called grounds for possession.

  • if you have not paid your rent on time
  • if you, others living with you, or visitors commit antisocial behaviour in or near the property
  • if you, or others living with you, do not care for the property properly
  • if your tenancy was for certain purposes, for example it was connected to your employment, or was for temporary or supported accommodation

You cannot be made to leave under some grounds for the first 12 months of a tenancy. Such as:

  • if your landlord intends to sell the property
  • if your landlord or their family member wants to move into the property

Check if the notice is valid

Your landlord will need to give you a section 8 notice of seeking possession, using one or more of the grounds for possession.

A section 8 notice must state the date by which your landlord is asking you to leave and they must give you the required amount of time under each ground.

If you have not left by the end of the notice period (and notice periods vary depending on the ground that the landlord is seeking to use) your landlord will need to apply to court to get the property back. This is called applying for a possession order. At court, the landlord must provide evidence that they have a valid reason to evict you under the ground they have chosen. You will have the opportunity to explain why you think your landlord does not have a legal reason to evict you, or why eviction is not reasonable under certain grounds.

We are here to help you through what can be a very stressful and unsettling time. You can contact us for help as soon as you get a Section 8 notice. Getting help early on gives you the best chance of achieving a positive outcome. We could help you look for somewhere else to live or negotiate with your landlord to stay in your home.

We have a legal duty to:

  • recognise your risk of homelessness
  • work with you to create a plan that helps you work with us to resolve your situation
  • work through that plan to try to stop you becoming homeless

See what help you can get if you are homeless or could lose your home.

Talking to your landlord

We will do everything we can to work out a solution to keep you in your home. We know this is the best solution to avoid the disruption and cost of moving. As part of working with you, we will contact your landlord to find out whether there is any scope for negotiation or mediation. This can often work depending on the reasons for the notice.

Looking at other housing options

If we cannot stop the notice going ahead, we will be able to work with you to look at alternative housing options with you. You may be able to join the Dorset Homechoice scheme if you meet the eligibility criteria and bid for social housing properties. There is a long wait to get social housing, so this is unlikely to be a quick solution to your problem.

You should be looking at alternative private renting options as a quicker solution. We can help you with this. You will need to be proactive and look for your own accommodation.