Evicting tenants in St Helens, Merseyside, can be a challenging task if you’re unfamiliar with the legal steps involved. I’m Sarah Rostamlou-Andrews, a freelance solicitor with over 15 years of expertise in Landlord and Tenant law, providing professional advice to help landlords through tenant eviction. Whether you need to serve a Section 21 notice or a Section 8 notice, I offer bespoke legal support for landlords in St Helens, Rainford, Eccleston, and nearby areas. On this page, I'll provide an overview of the process landlords need to be aware of.

How to Legally End a Tenancy in St Helens

As a landlord when ending a tenancy agreement in St Helens, it’s important to follow the correct legal procedures to avoid delays or disputes with tenants. Whether dealing with a fixed-term tenancy or a periodic Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), landlords must adhere to the following:

For Periodic ASTs in St Helens:

• Issuing a Section 8 notice for breaches such as rent arrears or property damage.

• Issuing a Section 21 notice where you do not wish to rely on breaches of the tenancy (provided all legal conditions are satisfied)

For Fixed-Term ASTs in St Helens:
Regaining possession during a fixed-term tenancy may involve:

• Enforcing a break clause included in the tenancy agreement.

• Issuing a Section 8 notice for breaches such as rent arrears or property damage.

• Using a Section 21 notice to regain possession at the tenancy’s conclusion (provided all legal conditions are satisfied).

Carefully following these steps ensures landlords in St Helens can proceed without unnecessary obstacles.

The Three Stages of Tenant Eviction in St Helens

Eviction of a tenant from a property typically involves three main stages for landlords:

Stage 1 - Serving the Notice: Section 8 or Section 21

Section 8 Notices in St Helens - Use this notice when tenants breach the tenancy agreement.

Common reasons include:

• Rent arrears exceeding two months or eight weeks.

• Causing significant damage to the property.

• Engaging in antisocial behaviour.

• Refusal of access to the property

Section 21 Notices in St Helens - A Section 21 notice allows landlords to regain possession at the end of a tenancy, but only if:

• The tenant’s deposit has been protected in a government-approved scheme.

• Required documents, such as the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and gas safety record amongst others, have been provided.

• The landlord gives at least two months' notice.

• Important: A Section 21 notice cannot end a fixed term tenancy early

Stage 2 - Applying to the Courts that oversee St Helens and wider area

If the tenant doesn’t vacate the property after the notice period expires, landlords must apply to the local court in St Helens for a possession order. Depending on the type of Notice served on the tenant and whether or not you wish to claim for rent arrears, will determine whether or not a court hearing is necessary.

Stage 3 - Enforcing the Eviction with Bailiffs

If the tenant refuses to vacate after a possession order is granted, landlords must apply for a warrant of possession, enabling county court bailiffs in St Helens to carry out the eviction.

• Bailiffs will formally remove the tenant and restore possession of the property.

• The process can take several weeks, depending on court schedules in Merseyside.

Important note: Avoid delays by ensuring all notices and legal requirements are correct from the start.

Why Choose A Specialist Solicitor for Tenant Eviction?

As an experienced solicitor specialising in Landlord and Tenant law, I provide landlords with:

• Specialist Legal Guidance - Assistance in choosing the appropriate eviction process, such as Section 8 for tenant breaches or Section 21 for no-fault evictions.

• Efficient Solutions - Ensuring all paperwork and legal steps are handled accurately to minimise unnecessary delays and lost income or property access for landlords.

• Transparent Fees - Fixed-fees and tried and tested services that are tailored to meet landlords’ specific needs.

• Free Consultation - Book a complimentary 30-minute session to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Avoid Mistakes When Evicting Tenants in St Helens

The legal process for eviction can be complex, and even minor errors can lead to delays or additional costs. For example:

• Failing to serve the correct notice or miscalculating the notice period can result in starting the process again.

• Not protecting a tenant’s deposit properly invalidates a Section 21 notice.

• Missing deadlines for court applications can extend the eviction timeline.

Working with an experienced solicitor ensures landlords avoid these common pitfalls, allowing for a smoother process.

Start the Eviction Process in St Helens today

If you’re facing challenges with problem tenants, rent arrears, or need help ending a tenancy in St Helens, I’m here to assist. From issuing the correct notices to representing you in court, I provide trusted legal advice every step of the way.

Take action today and reclaim your property with expert legal support.