The most common ground for eviction is non-payment of rent however eviction is also possible for breaching other aspects of the Tenancy Agreement such as nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

Before you can be evicted from your home you must be served with a Notice of Intent to Seek Possession (NSP) this is usually served by hand by the Rent or Estate Officer for your area.  It is very important that you do not ignore this notice but get in touch with the officer dealing with you case to discuss a way forward to avoid eviction from your home.

Unfortunately if you ignore the (NSP), fail to pay your rent or continue to cause a nuisance St Leger Homes can then apply to the courts to gain possession of your home.  Tenants facing a Possession Order should seek legal advice from a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) which provides free advice.

There is no guarantee that the Courts will not evict households with children. The Council or other social landlords generally have no obligation to re-house those who are evicted for non payment of rent or anti-social behaviour. 

What happens when I am evicted?

Before you are evicted the bailiff will deliver to your home a paper which states the date and time the eviction will be carried out, on this date you must vacate your property and remove all your possessions from it.  It is your responsibly to find alternative accommodation for yourself and your family.

On the date of the eviction the court bailiff, Estate or Rent Officer and joiner will come to your home at the designated time and carry out an inventory of any remaining items in the property and change the locks.

Can I stop the eviction?

The earlier you take action or get advice the better.  It is more difficult to make agreements at a late stage.  You may apply to the court for the Warrant of Possession (eviction) to be suspended this can be done by either approaching the court directly and filling in the necessary form or contacting a solicitor or the CAB who can do this on your behalf.  The court will then reconsider your case and you will have chance to present further evidence to support your case, but remember the court may still not agree to alter its previous decision.

Remember if you are having difficulties paying your rent:

• speak to your Rent Officer as soon as possible to agree a payment plan see our Contact List for details of the officer in your area
• get advice, for example from the Citizens' Advice Bureau and
• continue to make regular payments to your rent account even if you cannot afford to pay the full amount of rent each week
• fill in a Housing Benefit form to see if you can get help towards paying your rent

Useful Contacts:

Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB)         
The Guildhall Advice Centre
Old Guildhall Yard
Frenchgate
Doncaster
DN1 1QW
Telephone: 01302 735225

National Debtline - Free Confidential and Independent Advice on Debt Problems

Telephone: 0808 808 4000 Website:www.nationaldebtline.co.uk