Housing Law

Landlord's Guide to Possession Proceedings

A practical overview of notices, evidence requirements and the steps landlords should consider before issuing possession proceedings.

By Fortiori Law Editorial Team | Published 2026-06-10 | Updated 2026-06-27 | 5 min read

Start with the tenancy record

Before issuing proceedings, landlords should review the tenancy documents, payment history, correspondence and any compliance documents that may be relevant to the chosen route.

Delays often arise because the file is incomplete or because the wrong assumptions are made about the legal basis for possession.

Choose the correct route

The correct possession route depends on the facts, the notice being relied on and the wider objective. Some landlords prioritise speed, while others need to combine possession with recovery of arrears.

A solicitor can help assess whether the current evidence supports the route you want to take and whether any further groundwork is needed first.

Prepare for delay points early

Common delays include defective notices, missing evidence, incomplete rent schedules and avoidable procedural errors once the claim is issued.

The strongest cases are often those where the file is prepared as if it may need to be scrutinised in detail at every stage.