Should You Keep Paying Rent After Receiving an Eviction Notice in England?

Eviction Notices & Repossessions England published: June 29, 2025 Flag of England

If you’ve been handed an eviction notice as a renter in England, it’s understandable to feel uncertain about your rights and responsibilities—especially when it comes to paying rent. Understanding what’s required can help you avoid unnecessary debt or legal trouble. This guide explains your rights after receiving an eviction notice, when rent payments are still necessary, and what steps renters can take during this difficult period.

Do You Have to Pay Rent After Getting an Eviction Notice?

Yes, in most cases, you must continue paying rent after receiving an eviction notice in England. An eviction notice—such as a Section 21 or Section 8 notice—does not immediately end your tenancy. You remain legally responsible for your rent until either:

  • The notice period stated on the notice ends and you move out, or
  • A court order ends your tenancy and you are required to leave

It’s important to keep up with rent and other obligations until your tenancy legally finishes, even if you’ve been asked to leave. Failing to do so can result in rent arrears, a poor reference, and could affect your ability to rent in future.

Types of Eviction Notices and Their Impact

There are different kinds of eviction notices in England, each with specific rules:

  • Section 21 notice (Form 6A): "No fault" eviction letting your landlord end the tenancy after the fixed term, or during a periodic tenancy for any lawful reason. Notice must give at least 2 months to leave. Learn more about Form 6A and assured tenancy forms on GOV.UK.
  • Section 8 notice: Issued when your landlord claims you broke terms of your tenancy (for example, unpaid rent or anti-social behaviour). The notice period varies based on the landlord’s reasons and the grounds used. The official notice is Form 3 (Section 8 notice).
    If you receive a notice, check the dates and grounds used. Mistakes could make the notice invalid.

Receiving any of these notices doesn’t end your obligation to pay rent immediately; your tenancy continues until a court order is served or you formally leave.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Rent After Notice?

If you stop paying rent after receiving an eviction notice and before your tenancy officially ends, your landlord can:

  • Seek a possession order to evict you through the court
  • Take legal action to recover unpaid rent, which can impact your credit rating
  • Pursue a County Court Judgment (CCJ) for arrears, affecting future rental prospects

When Does the Legal Duty to Pay Rent End?

Your duty to pay rent ends only when your tenancy officially ends. This might be when:

  • You move out by the date specified in the eviction notice and hand back the keys
  • The court makes a possession order and sets a date you must leave
  • A surrender of tenancy is formally agreed in writing by you and your landlord

Until one of these events occurs, you should continue to pay rent regularly as per your agreement.

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Official Forms Involved in the Eviction Process

  • Form 6A (Section 21 Notice): Used to start a "no fault" eviction for assured shorthold tenancies.
    Practical example: If your landlord wants you to leave at the end of your tenancy, they'll serve you Form 6A. You must keep paying rent until the notice expires and you have moved out or until a court order ends your tenancy.
    See Form 6A and official guidance on GOV.UK
  • Form 3 (Section 8 Notice): Used when your landlord says you've broken your tenancy agreement.
    Practical example: If you are behind on rent, you might get Form 3. You still need to pay rent for as long as you remain living in the property.
    See Form 3 official notice on GOV.UK
  • N5B Claim Form: If you do not leave at the end of a notice period, the landlord can apply to court for possession using this form.
    Find the N5B form and instructions on GOV.UK

Which Tribunal Handles Eviction Cases?

Residential possession and eviction cases in England are handled by the County Court. This is where landlords apply for possession orders and where tenants can present their defence.

Relevant Legislation

The main laws covering eviction and rent obligations are:

Always refer to official legislation or seek specialist guidance if unsure about your specific situation.

What Should You Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice?

You have rights and options. Here’s what you could do:

  • Keep paying your rent until your tenancy officially ends
  • Check that the notice meets all legal requirements (timing, correct form, grounds, etc.)
  • Seek advice if you feel the eviction is unfair or unlawful
  • If you disagree with the reasons (for example, claimed rent arrears), prepare evidence and get help if your case goes to court
  • Negotiate with your landlord—sometimes you can agree on a solution without going to court
Remember: Only a court order can force you to leave if you haven’t vacated by the notice date. Illegal evictions are serious offences under UK law.

FAQs: Rent Payments After an Eviction Notice

  1. Do I have to pay rent if I’ve received a Section 21 or Section 8 notice?
    Yes, you are required to pay rent up to the date your tenancy legally ends, either when you move out or a court ends your tenancy.
  2. Can my landlord evict me if I stop paying rent after a notice?
    If you stop paying rent, your landlord can use your arrears as additional grounds for eviction and seek a court judgment for unpaid rent.
  3. What happens if I move out before the notice period ends?
    You may still be liable for rent until the end of the notice unless your landlord agrees in writing to end the tenancy earlier.
  4. Can I challenge an eviction notice?
    Yes, if the notice is incorrect, invalid, or you believe you have a strong case, you can challenge it in County Court or with professional advice.
  5. Who can I contact for help if I’m worried about paying rent after an eviction notice?
    You can seek advice from free housing services, your local council, or Citizens Advice (see the resources section below).

Conclusion: What Renters Need to Know

  • Keep paying rent until your tenancy legally ends, even after receiving an eviction notice.
  • Make sure any legal notice from your landlord is correct—mistakes mean it could be invalid.
  • Get support if you are unsure about your situation; there are official resources to help.

The eviction process can be stressful, but staying aware of your responsibilities and seeking advice early can make things easier.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Assured Tenancy Forms (GOV.UK)
  2. Eviction process for private renters (GOV.UK)
  3. Housing Act 1988 – Key legislation
  4. Rent Act 1977
  5. Housing Act 1985

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights UK

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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