RECEIVED AN EVICTION NOTICE?

Information for unpaid Carers

Caring responsibilities can make housing issues even more stressful.

If you receive an eviction notice, it’s important to know that you have rights and support is available.

This page explains what to do and where to get help.

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What is an Eviction Notice? You don’t need to leave straight away What happens next - Step by step guide Eviction support for Carers Worried about homelessness

What is an eviction notice?

An eviction notice is a formal document from your landlord asking you to leave your home. It is the first step in a legal process—it does not mean you have to leave immediately.

In most cases, eviction follows three stages:

Notice from your landlord
Court action
Eviction by bailiffs

This process can take time, and you may be able to stop or delay it.

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What is an eviction notice?

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Important: You do not have to leave straight away

Important: You do not have to leave straight away

Many people feel they must leave as soon as they receive notice—but this is not usually the case.

You can stay in your home until the legal process is followed
Only a court and bailiffs can evict you legally
If your landlord tries to force you out without this, it may be an illegal eviction

GOV.UK: Rules your Landlord must follow

What happens next

If you are worried about losing your home, it can help to understand what happens next. Knowing the steps can make the situation feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

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Step 1: Check what type of notice you have

The most common types in England are:

Section 21 notice – often called a ‘no fault’ eviction
Section 8 notice – usually given for a reason (e.g. rent arrears)

The type of notice affects:

How much time you have
Whether you can challenge it
What support is available

Make sure the notice is:

In writing
On the correct form
Giving the correct notice period

Shelter: Eviction Notices from Private Landlords

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Step 2: Check if your notice is valid

Your landlord must follow strict legal rules.

Check:

Dates are correct
Your name and address are correct
The correct notice period is given

If the notice is not valid, your landlord may have to start again.

Tenant Hive: How to check if an eviction notice is valid

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Step 3: Speak to your landlord (if safe to do so)

If you feel able to, try to talk to your landlord:

There may be a misunderstanding
You may be able to agree a payment plan
Issues may be resolved without eviction

This can be especially helpful if the notice is due to rent arrears.

See our page - How to talk to your Landlord

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Step 4: Get advice as early as possible

Do not wait until court action begins. Early advice can help you:

Understand your rights
Challenge the eviction
Find ways to stay in your home

You can contact:

Your local council housing team
Specialist housing advice services
Carer support organisations

Free advice is available and can make a big difference.

Citizens Advice: Get help if you are being evicted Money Helper: Get help if you are being evicted

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Step 5: Tell your local council

If you are at risk of losing your home, contact your local council as soon as possible.

They have a duty to:

Provide advice and support
Help prevent homelessness
Assess your situation

Let them know if you are an unpaid Carer, as this may affect the support you receive.

North Lincolnshire Council: Housing Information North East Lincolnshire Council: Housing and property information

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Step 6: Prepare for what might happen next

If the issue is not resolved:

Your landlord may apply to court
You will receive details of a hearing
You may be able to challenge the eviction

Even at this stage, eviction is not guaranteed. Courts can sometimes delay or stop eviction—especially if you take action early.

Support for Carers

As a Carer, housing issues can affect both you and the person you care for.

You may need:

Help to maintain your caring role
Support with alternative housing
Advocacy during the eviction process

Let services know about your caring responsibilities so they can take this into account.

Carers UK: Housing Advice Citizens Advice: Housing

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Support for Carers

Click the link for information and advice if you are new to your caring role

If you are worried about homelessness

If you are worried about homelessness

You are not alone—support is available.

You may be entitled to:

Emergency accommodation
Help finding somewhere to live
Financial or practical support

Do not wait until you are evicted—seek help as soon as you receive notice.

See our homelessness page for more information

Housing laws can change, and some parts of the Renters’ Rights Act are being introduced in stages. For example, from May 2026, new laws have strengthened renters’ rights.

Carers’ Support Service is here to make sure unpaid carers are seen, supported and never left to struggle alone.

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