Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents

Standard possession claims   

This guide covers the process landlords will need to follow to evict their tenant in the county court.

The Renters’ Rights Act will change laws about renting and this guidance has been published to help private rented sector landlords and agents prepare. The new rules will apply on or after 1 May 2026. For information on the current law, refer to the existing standard possession claims guidance.

You will be able to use the possession claim online service if you need to get your property back because your tenants owe you rent.     

The service will let you fill in court forms online and will show you how the claim is progressing. It will cost £404.  

When you will not be able to use the online service  

You will not be able to use the online service for:  

• other types of standard possession claim, for example if you intend to sell your property, or your tenants have broken the terms of the lease.

You will need to fill in the paper N5 standard possession claim form and particulars of claim form, and post, email, or deliver them to your local court that deals with housing possession.  

It will cost £404 to apply. There are different ways to pay such as by debit or credit card or cheque. You can choose which option you would prefer on the N5 form and follow the instructions on the form to continue the payment.

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