If you have been asked to leave by your landlord

Eviction

Section 21

If your landlord wants you to leave your home, they might issue a Section 21 notice to agree a move out date. You will need to agree a tenancy end date with the landlord.

• the Section 21 notice must give at least 2 months notice of the move out date
• you must get the notice after the first 4 months of your initial tenancy
• the landlord cannot apply to court more than 6 months after giving you the notice

The notice period runs from the date your landlord gives you the notice until the date the notice says you must leave by.

For more information about eviction, the validity of a Section 21 notice, and your rights, see Section 21 on GOV.UK

Section 8

Your landlord might issue a Section 8 notice for the following reasons:

•    you owe at least 2 months’ rent
•    you owe some rent
•    if you keep paying your rent late

The court cannot usually stop an eviction if you still owe at least 2 months rent at the hearing.

For more information on how to get support see Section 8 on GOV.UK

You might be able to claim the Discretionary Housing Payment if you are in rent arrears and claim a qualifying benefit, see Apply for Discretionary Housing Payments.

Illegal eviction and harassment

It is illegal for your landlord to harass or intimidate you into moving out of your home. If this is happening to you, it is a crime. This can include actions such as:

• changing the locks without notifying you
• stopping you from using part of your home
• threatening or physically harassing you to leave
• turning off access to services such as the water or energy supply

If you feel threatened or in danger, call the police on 999.

If you think there is going to be a breach of the peace, but it is not an emergency, call 101.

For support if you are being threatened with an illegal eviction, contact our Housing Standards team.

Contact Housing Standards

General Customer Service for all areas

Telephone: 0300 373 3300

Barrow area

Email: privatehousing@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Eden area

Email: housing.services@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

South Lakes area

Email: housingstandards@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

Make a homelessness application

If you have been asked to leave your home, please contact the homelessness service team in your area. We can give advice about:

• realistic, up-to-date and in-depth advice on how to find your own accommodation and how to pay for it
• a full housing option service covering private renting options and affordable ownership
• help to find a home
• options to consider If your accommodation is overcrowded
• information on emergency accommodation that may be available for single people
• personalised referrals to other agencies if we cannot help you

See the homelessness and housing advice application step-by-step process