Why it matters
What Eviction Ban means for a landlord
Eviction bans are an emergency measure, not a routine part of renting. The 2020 to 2021 pause is the most recent. For possession planning today, assume enforcement is available once the date in the order has passed, and plan for the time it takes to get a bailiff’s appointment rather than for a future moratorium.
Worked example
How it plays out
During the pandemic, a landlord in Luton with a possession order made in early 2020 could not have it enforced for months, because evictions by bailiffs were paused in England except in limited cases. A landlord with an order today faces no such pause: if the tenant stays past the date in the order, they apply for a warrant of possession and wait for the bailiff’s appointment, which depends on the local court’s workload.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Planning around a possible future ban instead of the enforcement process that applies now.
- 02Treating the date in a possession order as the eviction date, when only a bailiff or enforcement officer can carry out the eviction.
- 03Changing the locks after the order date, which is still an unlawful eviction.
What to do
A short checklist
- Budget for the time between the order date and the bailiff’s appointment.
- Apply for the warrant promptly once the date in the order has passed.
- Check rent guarantee or legal expenses cover for long possession timelines.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
