Why it matters
What Possession Order means for a landlord
A possession order is not the same as getting the property back. The order sets a date, usually 14 days away and up to six weeks where the tenant shows exceptional hardship. If the tenant stays past it you still cannot act yourself: changing the locks would be unlawful eviction, even with a court order. You apply for a warrant of possession and wait for a bailiff. On a discretionary ground the court may instead make a suspended order, which lets the tenant stay as long as they keep to its terms.
Worked example
How it plays out
At a hearing in Portsmouth the court grants Emma an outright possession order on Ground 8, with possession in 14 days. The tenant asks for more time because of exceptional hardship, and the judge sets 42 days, the most allowed. When that date passes and the tenant is still there, Emma applies for a warrant of possession.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Treating the date in the order as the day you can change the locks.
- 02Not checking whether the order is outright or suspended.
- 03Accepting payments without reading the terms of a suspended order.
What to do
A short checklist
- Read the order for the date and any conditions.
- Apply for a warrant promptly if the tenant stays past the date.
- Keep recording rent after the order.
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.
