All you need to know about how to end a tenancy.
There are legal processes that define how a tenancy can be brought to an end. This guidance explains what they are. It is prescriptive but only when it needs to because of what the law says.
Sometimes it is clear that prompt action is needed to bring a tenancy to an end (if a property has been abandoned for example). On other occasions it is a matter of judgement - taking into account that formal enforcement action often isn’t the best way to resolve an issue.
This guidance doesn’t cover making those judgements even though they are often not easy. It sets out the steps that are necessary once a decision has been made to take steps to end a tenancy. If in doubt about whether to take possession action talk it over within your team or with your manager.
Read the full guidance here.
The different outcomes from a possession hearing are set out in sections 5 and 6 of the full guidance note which also covers the steps between getting a court order and regaining possession.
Remember unless a flat has very clearly been abandoned repossession without a court bailiff runs the risk of an illegal eviction which can lead to a compensation claim and reputational damage for the Council.