UK Landlord Forum / Life

I have had 6 years of trouble free letting but the day has arrived and I need to remove my first bad tenant.

They came to us 4 years ago on a 6 months rolling agreement, at the time the tenancy required 1 months notice but I understand the law now requires me to give 2 months notice. The problem is persistent rent arrears and my patience has expired.

What paperwork do I need to issue them with? If they don't go can I simply change the locks because they do not have a secure tenancy? I have offered to forgive the arrears if they leave but to date that hasn't worked.

I would appreciate any advice. Thanks....

You cannot change the locks.

Others can surely advise better on the paperwork but section 21 is your first step.  Then if that doesn't work then a section 8 followed by an eviction via the courts.

Good luck !

If you just change the locks you will be illegally evicting the tenant and could go to jail.

The notice in your case is probably 6 months currently, not 2, (unliess they already owe 6 months rent). After that if the tenant doesn't leave then you're at the mercy of the courts before you get possession, so probably add another year.