If a landlord gets a possession order and you are a tenant in England, a warrant of possession lets court enforcement officers remove occupants and change locks if necessary. This page explains what a warrant is, when a landlord can ask for one, and what steps renters and tenants can take to protect their rights. You will find practical guidance on the official form names, realistic timelines, common defences, and how to ask the court or tribunal for more time or help. If you are concerned about eviction, read these practical steps and links to official sources so you can act quickly and with confidence.
What is a warrant of possession?
A warrant of possession is a court order that authorises an enforcement officer (bailiff) to evict tenants and return possession of a property to the landlord once a possession order has been granted. This is an enforcement step that comes after a county court or tribunal makes a possession order. If a warrant is requested, the court will normally set a date for enforcement or allow the enforcement officer to contact you about arrangements.[3]
Key forms and when they are used
There are specific official forms used when enforcing possession orders. Below are the main forms tenants should know about, with a simple example of use for each.
- Form N325 — Request for Warrant of Possession: used by the landlord or their solicitor to ask the court for a warrant after a possession order. Example: a landlord who won a possession order because of rent arrears applies using N325 to instruct enforcement to evict if the tenant does not leave voluntarily.[1]
- Form N244 — Application to the Court: used if you, as a tenant, need to ask the court for an urgent case management order (for example, to request more time to respond or to vary enforcement arrangements). Example: a tenant files an N244 asking the court to delay a warrant because they have evidence of a housing disrepair affecting safety.
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber): while many possession matters go through the county court, some disputes about tenancy terms or rent may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for England; they handle certain residential property disputes and guidance is available from the tribunal service.[2]
What tenants can do when a warrant is requested
Tenants have several practical options: check the paperwork and dates carefully, seek legal advice (for example from a solicitor or an advice service), apply to the court to delay enforcement if you have a good reason, or agree a move-out plan with the landlord. If you dispute the possession order itself you should act at once — this is usually done before enforcement rather than after.
Enforcement and what to expect
If a warrant is issued, the court or an enforcement officer will normally give notice of the eviction date and information about belongings and lock changes. Enforcement officers must follow rules about giving time and, in many cases, cannot forcibly enter at night. If you have children, medical needs, or are vulnerable, tell the court or enforcement officer as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be considered.
FAQ
- What is a warrant of possession and how does it differ from a possession order?
- A possession order is the decision that a landlord can regain their property; a warrant of possession is the enforcement step that allows officers to carry out the eviction once the order is not complied with.
- Can I stop a warrant once it has been issued?
- You can apply to the court to suspend or vary enforcement if you have a good reason, such as a pending appeal, serious illness, or an agreed repayment plan. This is usually done by filing the correct application form and providing evidence to support your request.
- Who handles disputes about tenancies in England?
- Residential tenancy disputes are often handled by the county courts, and certain housing matters may be dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for England; always check which body issued the order or which has jurisdiction in your case.
How-To
- Confirm whether a possession order exists and note the enforcement or warrant application details.
- Obtain and complete any necessary applications or response forms promptly and attach supporting evidence (for example, medical letters or proof of payments).
- File an application with the court if you need to request a stay, delay, or variation — explain clearly why enforcement would cause unfair hardship.
- If a warrant proceeds, contact the court or enforcement officer to discuss practical arrangements and inform them of any vulnerabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Act quickly: missing deadlines can make it much harder to delay enforcement.
- Seek advice from an official service early to understand options and paperwork.
Help and Support
- Your rights as a private tenant on GOV.UK
- Find a court or tribunal on GOV.UK
- Using bailiffs and enforcement on GOV.UK
