If You Rent from a Private Landlord

You probably have a type of tenancy called an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

If you’re not sure, you can use the Tenancy Checker on the Shelter website to find out.

If Your Landlord Wants You to Leave

They must follow the law.
They might give you:

• 📄 A Section 21 notice – usually used to end a tenancy
• 📄 A Section 8 notice – often used if you owe rent

These notices must follow rules to be valid.
It’s important to get advice quickly.

You can find more help on the Shelter website.

Important: You Don’t Have to Leave Right Away

If your notice ends and you have nowhere else to go, you can stay in the home.

Your landlord must go to court to ask for a Possession Order before you can be made to leave.

How We Can Help

If you get a notice:

• 📞 Contact our Housing Solutions Team straight away
• We’ll check if the notice is valid
• We can talk to your landlord and try to help

What to Do Next

📝 Fill in our self-referral form online:
Housing Jigsaw – Register for Homelessness Advice

We’ll contact you and may offer a phone appointment with a Housing Officer.

Useful Links

Citizens Advice

Shelter England