Possession order
A possession order is a court order that confirms your legal right, as landlord, to recover possession of a rented property. It does not itself remove the tenant, but it is the key step between serving notice and, if necessary, enforcement by bailiffs or enforcement agents.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, most landlord-initiated ends of tenancy rely on statutory grounds for possession (such as serious rent arrears, persistent anti-social behaviour, or moving in/selling), not “no-fault” Section 21. You normally:
Serve the correct notice citing the ground(s).
Issue a claim in the county court if the tenant does not leave.
Ask the court to make a possession order, either outright on a fixed date or suspended on terms. This might include rent arrears paid by instalment).
If the tenant still does not vacate after the date in an outright order, you must apply for a warrant or writ of possession. Only court-appointed bailiffs or enforcement officers can lawfully evict. Self-help eviction remains a criminal offence. This includes changing locks, removing belongings without a court order
For professional landlords, accurate notices, good evidence and compliance with all pre-conditions (e.g. deposit, safety, redress, PRS Database registration) are essential to obtaining and enforcing a possession order.
