Landlord Gets His Property Back Just Two Months After Starting the Eviction Proces

A landlord was able to regain possession of his property within two months after starting the eviction process, following coordinated action between the landlord, the tenant, and the local council.

The tenant had lived at the property for a number of years. When the landlord reviewed the rent, it became clear that an increase was needed. However, there were concerns about whether the tenant could realistically afford the higher rent.

Rather than allowing the situation to drift, the landlord chose to proceed with formal eviction action while also supporting the tenant to seek help from the council.

Tenant Circumstances

The tenant household consisted of a couple with an autistic child, placing them in a vulnerable category under housing legislation.

As affordability became an issue, the risk of homelessness increased. The landlord therefore began the eviction process and encouraged the tenant to approach the local council as being at risk of homelessness.

Council Duties Under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, councils are legally required to support households who are threatened with homelessness within 56 days.

Once the tenant presented to the council, the authority became duty bound to take reasonable steps to prevent homelessness or to help secure alternative accommodation where prevention was not possible.

This included assessing the household’s needs, particularly in light of the child’s disability.

Negotiations With the Council

While the eviction process continued, the council contacted the landlord to explore options.

Rather than attempting to keep the tenant in a property that was no longer affordable or suitable, the council identified alternative accommodation that better met the family’s needs and was affordable in the long term.

The proposed solution was agreed by all parties.

A Resolution Without Bailiffs

The tenant was rehoused into alternative accommodation arranged through the council.

The landlord regained possession of his property.

The entire process, from serving notice to the tenant moving out, was completed within two months, without the need for bailiffs and without the tenant becoming homeless.

What This Case Shows

This case demonstrates how following the correct legal process, while allowing councils to carry out their statutory duties, can lead to fast and lawful outcomes.

Importantly, the landlord continued with the eviction process throughout. This ensured the council remained engaged and able to act under its legal obligations.

What Landlords Can Learn From This

Landlords in similar situations may consider the following approach:

1. Serve a valid eviction notice, either Section 8 or Section 21

2. Support the tenant to present to the council as being at risk of homelessness

3. Allow the council to fulfil its duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

4. Continue with the eviction process while negotiations take place

In some cases, this can result in the tenant leaving the property before the notice period expires, through rehousing rather than enforcement.

A Practical Alternative to Enforcement

Handled correctly, this approach can provide certainty for landlords, support for tenants, and a lawful route forward that avoids last minute crises.

Eviction, when managed properly, does not always have to end at the bailiff stage.