How do I evict a tenant in this new ‘tenant world’ we all find ourselves?

Tenant eviction concerns amid new legislation for rent arrears and benefit claimants

by Readers Question

12:01 AM, 5th June 2026, 20 hours ago 4

Categories:

Landlord News Landlords Questions Rent Arrears Tenant Eviction

With all this new legislation, I am a little concerned as I find myself having to evict a tenant (who only moved into my property in February this year) for non-payment of rent (even though he is on benefits).

He will be three months in arrears on Friday, so I can then take action. What is the best way to do this without falling foul of the new system and horrendous legislation?

I have contacted his mother, who is his guarantor, but she has not replied, so I need to chase her for the arrears as well as evict the tenant and ensure rent is paid directly to me until he is gone.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Karen

Editor’s Note: For help and advice about tenant eviction and collecting arrears, then Landlord Action may be able to help

Specialists in tenant eviction and debt collection. Regulated by The Law Society.

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Tags: Eviction, eviction legislation, rent arrears, Renters’ Rights Act

Comments

Steve Rose

Member Since September 2024 - Comments: 112

10:37 AM, 5th June 2026, About 9 hours ago

Surely if you have a guarantor there is no need to evict him. You simply start a small claims case against her. You could have warned her of this on the first day the rent was overdue.

3 Report Comment Reply
Elisabeth Beckett

Member Since October 2025 - Comments: 3

10:51 AM, 5th June 2026, About 9 hours ago

I find that an email to the guarantor first, (especially if it’s his mother) may ensure that the rent is paid. Did you do a financial check on the mother and is she a UK homeowner? You should also apply to Universal credit for the rent to be paid direct to you, which means the arrears won’t increase anymore.

1 Report Comment Reply
DPT

Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1214

11:04 AM, 5th June 2026, About 9 hours ago

You can use s8 grounds to evict for rent arrears provided the arrears are not due to delays by the benefits office.

1 Report Comment Reply
Steve Rose

Member Since September 2024 - Comments: 112

11:25 AM, 5th June 2026, About 8 hours ago

Reply to the comment left by Elisabeth Beckett at 05/06/2026 – 10:51
She said she’s already contacted the guarantor but that they have ignored her. That’s why I suggested rhe next step which is to start the process of the small claims court.
My experience has always been that simply starting this process tends to concentrate the mind sufficiently to resolve the issue.
Money Claim Online is a very simple process, far simpler than eviction.

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