Evicting a tenant in the UK can be a lengthy process. Whether you’re a landlord dealing with rent arrears or a tenant facing eviction, understanding the costs involved is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of eviction in the UK, covering court fees, legal costs, and the different stages of the eviction process.
How much does it cost to evict someone?
The cost of evicting a tenant in the UK can vary widely - it all depends on the legal route you take. Generally, here are a few common eviction costs:
Serving a Section 8 or Section 21 notice: £200-£300 (only if handled by a solicitor)
Standard possession order application: £391
Accelerated possession order application: £391
Warrant of possession: £143
Permission from county court: £78
High Court enforcement: £78 for a writ of possession, plus enforcement agent fees (up to £1,500+)
The total cost of eviction can range anywhere from £500 to over £2,000, depending on whether court proceedings are necessary and if enforcement action is required.
Note: Prices correct at the time of writing from Gov.UK.
Who pays the court fees?
The landlord is responsible for paying court fees and enforcement costs. However, if the eviction is successful, the judge may order the tenant to pay some or all of the costs. In reality, landlords often struggle to recover legal costs from tenants, especially if the tenant is in financial difficulty.
Average cost of a county court eviction
A county court eviction is the most common way to remove a tenant who refuses to leave after receiving an eviction notice. This process includes applying for a possession order through the county court and, if necessary, requesting a warrant of possession for county court bailiffs to carry out the eviction.
Eviction step ❓ | Cost 💰 |
|---|---|
Issue Section 8 or Section 21 notice | Free (DIY) or £200-£350 (with a solicitor) |
Apply for a standard possession order | £391 |
Apply for an accelerated possession order | £391 |
Apply for a warrant of possession (county court bailiffs) | £143 |
Note: Prices correct at the time of writing from Gov.UK.
When do you use a county court for eviction?
A landlord can apply to the county court for eviction if:
The tenant refuses to leave after receiving a Section 8 or Section 21 notice.
The tenant owes rent arrears.
The tenant has breached the tenancy agreement.
Average cost of a High Court eviction
A High Court eviction is usually more expensive than a county court eviction but can be faster and more effective in certain situations. Landlords often transfer cases from the county court to the High Court to speed up the process and use High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) instead of county court bailiffs.
Eviction step ❓ | Cost 💰 |
|---|---|
Apply for a possession order (county court) | £391 |
Apply to transfer to the High Court | £78 |
High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO) fees | £1,000 - £1,500+ |
Note: Prices correct at the time of writing from Gov.UK.
When do you use a High Court for eviction?
Landlords can apply to the High Court for eviction when:
The case involves serious rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
The landlord wants to use a High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO) to remove the tenant more quickly than a county court bailiff.
The possession order includes a request for a writ of possession.
Eviction stages and costs explained
The eviction process in the UK follows several legal stages, each with associated costs.
1. Serving an eviction notice
Landlord can choose a Section 21 notice (no-fault eviction) or Section 8 notice (breach of tenancy). Section 21 is used to evict without having to give a reason, whereas a Section 8 is used when an assured shorthold tenant has breached the terms of the tenancy agreement.
The DIY option is free, though solicitor fees range from £200 - £300.
2. Applying for a possession order
If the tenant doesn’t leave after the notice period, the landlord must apply for a possession order in the county court. A standard possession order is used when a landlord wants to evict a tenant and claim rent arrears or other costs. An accelerated possession order is a quicker and simpler process, but it can only be used for no-fault evictions under a Section 21 notice.
Standard possession order: £391
Accelerated possession order: £391
3. Bailiff enforcement (if tenant refuses to leave)
If the tenant still doesn’t leave, the landlord must apply for a warrant of possession to request bailiffs.
County court bailiff fee: £131
High Court enforcement fee: £1,000 - £1,500+ (if transferred to the High Court)
FAQs
How long does an eviction take in the UK?
The eviction process can take anywhere from two to six months, depending on court delays and tenant cooperation. High Court evictions tend to be quicker than county court evictions.
Can a landlord recover eviction costs from a tenant?
In some cases, a judge may order the tenant to pay the landlord’s legal costs. However, in reality, recovering these costs can be difficult, especially if the tenant has financial difficulties.
Can I evict a tenant without going to court?
A landlord cannot forcibly remove a tenant without following the legal eviction process. Doing so could result in legal action for unlawful eviction.
Can legal aid help tenants facing eviction?
Yes. Tenants facing eviction may qualify for legal aid if they meet certain financial criteria. This can help cover legal advice and representation. You can check if you're eligible for legal aid here.
Final thoughts
Evicting a tenant in the UK can be a costly and time-consuming process. The total cost depends on whether the eviction is handled through the county court or the High Court, as well as additional legal and enforcement fees.
If you’re a landlord looking to evict a tenant or a tenant facing eviction, seeking legal advice early can help you navigate the process and protect your interests. Get in touch today for a free quote and to see how our landlord solicitors can help.
References
Possession orders from Gov.UK
Eviction notices and bailiffs from Gov.UK
