What to do after served Section 21 one month ago

Landlord Discussion
1

Need advice on what to do after Section 21 was served one month ago. This was triggered because T only willing to pay 60% rent.

Several emails have been sent, reminding the rent arrears and offerring to discuss financial assistance if T can moved out earlier than notice date which is middle of May. T repied with similar tones, such as actively seeking affordable accomodation, and getting in touch with Homelessness Prevention and Advice Service at local council, ‘who are assessing my situation and supporting me in securing suitable alternative accommodation’. Conclusion is that can’t move out now. BTW, received the 2nd 60% rent this month.

I am not sure about what trick T is using, and dont know what local council can do to against Section 21 notice. Dont think local council will put priority on T who is a male and single.

Dors anyone has similar experience? What can I do? Just sit tight and waiting for court date? Any advice please. I am dreadful about waiting for court decision. Many thanks

2

@Alicia5 council won’t help tenant move and will tell them to sit tight - it’s just an extra person for them to house otherwise. You should expect to have to apply for possession after the s21 date has passed. You need to do it by 31 July or the s21 lapses.

Expect many months after the application for possession

https://www.property118.com/court-possession-delays-reach-20-year-high-despite-fall-in-landlord-claims/#:~:text=To%20highlight%20the%20delays%2C%20the,of%20exposure%20is%20simply%20unsustainable."

https://hcegroup.co.uk/news/2025/possession-delays-costing-landlords-thousands#:~:text=When%20using%20the%20High%20Court,of%20the%20writ%20of%20possession.

Good luck

3

Oooh dear, nightmare!

4

Thanks for info. Will “Cash for keys” work? I am thinking about provide x amount if T moved 4 weeks earlier, y amount if T moved 3 weeks earlier. Will this be good to encourage T to go?

5

@Alicia5

they have 1 month to go so you are already at 4 weeks right?

They’ve just told you they don’t have anywhere so unlikely to accept ‘if 4 week’ deal unless a ridiculous amount. They won’t accept an amount and make themselves voluntarily homeless which also may then mean they can’t get council help.

Unless it’s enough for new rent new deposit and they find someone willing to rent at the 60% they are paying you which will be way below mkt rent, why would they move compared with the great ‘deal’ they have with you now.

Have they given any explanation for why they have reduced what they are paying to 60% after previously agreeing to pay 100% ?

Good luck

6

It may or may not work. If the tenant genuinely needs help from the Council, he wont do it as they’d consider him intentionally homeless. If you do suggest it, be careful how. This could be seen as harassment.

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