Residential Eviction Solicitors

When a residential tenant refuses to pay rent, it can put their landlord under significant financial strain. A landlord failing to meet their legal requirements or attempting to unlawfully evict a tenant can also cause serious uncertainty and stress for the tenant involved. Both situations fall under complex landlord and tenant law, with countless technical regulations governing the eviction process. It’s essential that, as a residential landlord, you act lawfully to avoid civil or criminal sanctions, and as a tenant, you understand your rights to remain in your property.

At JMW, our Property Litigation team and its specialist eviction solicitors have extensive experience representing both landlords and tenants in residential property disputes. We assist with every stage of the tenant eviction process, from serving written notices and recovering rent arrears to court proceedings and possession orders. With the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill set to introduce major changes to tenant law and residential lettings, our specialist eviction solicitors can provide expert legal advice to help you work through the new legislation and minimise disruption to your property interests.

If you are ready to discuss your eviction matter, contact JMW’s dedicated eviction solicitors today. Call 0345 872 6666 or fill out our online enquiry form to request a call back.

How JMW Can Help

JMW’s property litigation team accepts instructions from both landlords and tenants, with extensive experience handling all aspects of tenant evictions and landlord and tenant law, including:

• Bringing and defending section 8 and section 21 residential eviction proceedings.
• Advising on unlawful eviction claims and defending against allegations of illegally evicting residential tenants.
• Evicting residential tenants in the absence of written tenancy agreements.
• Assisting with deceased tenants and related possession proceedings.
• Acting for (and against) property management companies, applying pressure on landlords to take action against problem tenants.

At JMW, our team of expert eviction solicitors provide clear, practical guidance on all aspects of the eviction process. We specialise in proactive case management and use our expertise to help landlords regain possession of their residential property,  as well as assisting tenants in understanding their rights.

We resolve a wide range of housing and property disputes through negotiation, mediation and, where necessary, court action. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome while preserving landlord and tenant relationships wherever possible.

JMW’s tenant eviction specialists have extensive experience advising in court proceedings and possession claims across the country, including in London and Manchester. We take a practical and cost-effective approach, working closely with each client to deliver strong, reliable results.

Meet the Team

JMW’s dedicated team of specialist eviction solicitors combine extensive experience in landlord and tenant law with a practical approach to resolving residential eviction disputes efficiently and professionally.

How Can I Ensure My Residential Eviction Is Lawful and That I Am Proceeding in the Appropriate Manner?

At present, there are two methods by which landlords may seek to terminate an assured shorthold tenancy agreement and recover vacant possession of their residential property:

• By way of notice pursuant to section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 - reliant on certain ‘grounds’, such as rent arrears or antisocial behaviour.
• By way of notice pursuant to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 - known as ‘no fault’ tenant evictions.

In the absence of the tenant vacating the property following service of either type of eviction notice, the landlord is required to commence court proceedings for an order for vacant possession. Without this, a landlord cannot force its tenant to vacate the property. Doing so would constitute an unlawful eviction, and the landlord could find itself exposed to both criminal and civil sanctions.

At JMW, we often encounter landlords who have elected to commence the initial stages of drafting and serving a notice without first consulting eviction solicitors (sometimes following advice received from their property or estate agent). Whilst we understand such steps are taken with a view to expediting the eviction process and, ultimately, saving fees, more often than not those notices contain defects or errors rendering them invalid. Other times, we find that compulsory legal requirements have not been met by the landlord, with such steps needing to be completed before a valid notice can be served.

Failure to address such issues can:

• Delay matters further.
• Result in subsequent possession proceedings proving unsuccessful.
• Incur otherwise avoidable and unnecessary costs.

It is therefore essential that a landlord consults a specialist eviction solicitor as early in the process as possible. At JMW, we can advise you on the most appropriate route for securing vacant possession as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible, whilst helping to avoid those frustrating delays. If you are a tenant, we may be able to assist in identifying critical defects with the landlord’s eviction notice before court proceedings are issued, assisting with your continued occupation of your residential property.

The Renters' Rights Bill

Whether you are involved in private residential lettings or are the tenant of a property, you will have undoubtedly seen reference in the news to a pending piece of legislation currently known as the Renters’ Rights Bill. Quite simply, its impact on the residential landlord and tenant market cannot be understated.

The Bill introduces significant reforms to the tenant eviction process and broader landlord and tenant law. Key changes include:

• The abolition of the “no-fault” section 21 eviction route, meaning that any eviction notice or possession order will need to rely on valid section 8 grounds (such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour or the landlord wishing to sell or move in).
• The transition from fixed-term tenancies to periodic tenancies, meaning tenancies will continue indefinitely unless either party gives valid notice to terminate.
• Introduction of a mandatory Private Rented Sector Database (landlord register) and compulsory membership of a Landlord Ombudsman, increasing regulatory oversight of residential landlords.
• More robust requirements on property condition, including extension of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector and prohibition of certain practices such as rental bidding wars and blanket bans on tenants due to receipt of benefits or having children.

It is vitally important that landlords (and their agents) are well versed on the Bill and have already started to prepare for life following its implementation. Failure to do so will result in landlords (and their agents) facing civil penalties, banning orders, and significant increased risk in possession proceedings.

At JMW, our specialist eviction solicitors stay ahead of these regulatory changes. For a summary of the status of the Bill, and the changes it will bring about, consult our article: An Update on the Renters’ Rights Bill – What Landlords Need to Know.

What Is the Process of Instructing JMW in Relation to Your Eviction? 

Instructing JMW’s expert eviction solicitors is a clear, user-friendly process designed to give you peace of mind and set clear expectations. Our tenant eviction specialists handle every stage of the eviction process with care and efficiency. The process of working with our legal team is as follows:

• Initial discussion: When you contact us, we will discuss your property, tenancy issues and any possession proceedings or rent arrears concerns. This helps us identify the most effective route to resolve your matter.
• Assessment of your needs and bespoke strategy: Our team will work with you to understand your specific circumstances, whether you are a landlord seeking possession or a tenant facing eviction, and develop a tailored legal strategy under landlord and tenant law.
• Costs and timescales: We provide clear estimates of potential costs and timescales for our eviction services, including whether a fixed fee structure applies, allowing you to plan confidently.
• Proactive file management: We act quickly on receipt of instructions, keeping your matter progressing efficiently. Our dedicated team maintains regular communication, providing concise, prompt and practical advice throughout the process.

Q

How long will it take to recover vacant possession of my property?

A

This is a question that often gets asked, but it is unfortunately one that is difficult to answer with absolute certainty. The timeframe for concluding a residential eviction matter depends on several factors, including whether a section 8 or section 21 eviction notice is being used, the workload of the local County Court, whether a tenant chooses to defend the possession proceedings, and the availability of the county court bailiff or High Court Enforcement Officer.

As a general estimate, from initial instruction to obtaining a possession order and regaining possession of the property, the eviction process can take up to six months. However, delays can occur where proceedings are disputed.

Q

I am concerned about the introduction of the Renters' Rights Bill. Is this something you can assist with?

A

Yes. At JMW, our specialist eviction solicitors have been closely monitoring the Renters’ Rights Bill as it progresses through Parliament. The Bill proposes major reforms to landlord and tenant law, including the abolition of section 21 evictions, the introduction of a new Private Rented Sector Database, and a requirement for all residential landlords to join a Landlord Ombudsman scheme.

These changes will significantly affect how eviction notices, possession proceedings, and tenancy agreements are handled. Once the Bill becomes law, landlords will only be able to seek possession under section 8 grounds, such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, or the need to sell or move back into the property.

Our specialist eviction solicitors can help you prepare for these upcoming changes by reviewing your current tenancy agreements, advising on compliance with new legal requirements, and ensuring that any eviction process you start meets the standards set out under the new legislation.

For tenants, we can explain how the Bill strengthens your rights, including protections against unlawful eviction and improvements to property standards. Whether you are a landlord or tenant, JMW provides clear, up-to-date advice to help you manage the transition with confidence.

Q

How much do JMW’s services cost?

A

For the majority of our residential eviction work, JMW’s property litigation team operates on a fixed fee basis. This provides clarity and control over costs throughout the eviction process. In more complex cases involving court proceedings or possession claims, hourly rates may apply.

During your initial consultation, our specialist eviction solicitors will explain the potential costs, available funding options and estimated timescales for your matter. Our aim is to provide transparent, practical advice from the outset so you can plan with confidence.

Get in touch with our expert eviction lawyers to learn more about our eviction services and how we can assist with your situation.