Emergency guide
I got an eviction notice or court papers
An eviction notice or court papers start dates that depend on where you live. This page lists what to do today, the dates that may be running, who to call and words you can use. The dates on your own papers always come first.
General information, not legal advice. Rules depend on where you live. If you have a letter, notice or form with a date on it, get advice before that date passes.
Checked 7 October 2026 · re-check due 7 January 2027 · To keep a copy, use your browser’s print or share menu.
First: are you safe?
If this has you thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 in the US, or call Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, at any hour. If anyone is in danger now, call 911 in the US or 999 in the UK. If you are locked out tonight or have nowhere to sleep, call 211 in the US. In England, Scotland and Wales, call your council's homelessness team; if the office is shut, look on the council's website for its out-of-hours number. In Northern Ireland, call the Housing Executive's Homelessness Line on 03448 920 908, at any hour: after 5pm, at weekends and on holidays it is the emergency out-of-hours service.
Today
- Look at the paper in your hand. Is it a notice from your landlord, or papers from a court? Court papers have a case number and a court. Write down the day you got it and every date on it. The dates on your own papers come before any date on this page.
- Do not ignore it. Do not move out, or agree to move out, before an adviser has read it. Take it to a free adviser today: legal aid in the US; Shelter or Citizens Advice in England, Scotland and Wales; Housing Rights in Northern Ireland.
- If someone changes your locks, cuts off your power or water, or removes your things without a court order, get help the same day. In the US: legal aid. In the UK: your council, and Shelter or Housing Rights. In England, illegal eviction is a crime and the police can step in. If anyone is threatening or hurting you, call 911 in the US or 999 in the UK.
- Ask for money and housing help now, before you agree to leave or hand back the keys. In the US: call 211, and a HUD housing counselor on 800-569-4287. In England, Scotland and Wales: your council's homelessness team, as soon as you have the notice. In Northern Ireland: the Housing Executive on 03448 920 908.
- Tell your landlord early, in writing. If rent is the problem, ask for a payment plan. Do not sign anything from your landlord today, such as a deal to move out, until an adviser has read it.
- In England, GOV.UK says to keep paying the full rent. If you cannot pay it all, pay the most you can afford, regularly: it may help you keep your home if this goes to court. If the home needs repairs, tell your adviser.
- In England and Wales, free legal advice is open to you from the day you have a written notice, whatever your income.
- Keep every paper, envelope, receipt, text and photo in one folder.
The clocks that have started
Deadlines that can start when this happens, soonest first. Your own letters give your dates; when two dates could apply, count from the earlier one. The details of each are on the page online; its address is at the bottom.
Deadlines that can start when this happens, soonest first. Tap one to see when it starts and what happens if you miss it. Your own letters give your dates; when two dates could apply, count from the earlier one.
Jump to: United States · United Kingdom
In the United States
Answer eviction court papers by the date written on themThe date on your papers is the date to follow: your state and your court decide, and it can be a few days.United States (set by each state)
- How long
- The date on your papers is the date to follow: your state and your court decide, and it can be a few days. No federal rule gives one number. If you cannot find a date, call the court clerk today and ask how long you have to file an answer
- Starts
- the day court papers reach you: a summons or complaint from the court, however it arrives. Count from the earliest day it could have reached you, not the day you opened it. A letter from your landlord alone is not court papers
- If missed
- your state decides what a late answer costs you. If the date has passed, call the clerk and a legal aid office the same day, ask what you can still do, and still go to any court date
- It lets you
- file a written answer saying why you should not be evicted, even if you do not yet have a lawyer. Say what you are doing to get help, and mention any rental assistance application that is waiting. The judge may delay or dismiss the eviction because you are trying to get help. Ask the clerk whether the court offers mediation or referrals to housing counselors
Where this differs: Courts and forms differ by state and often by county. Your papers and the court clerk are the source, not this page. LawHelp.org shows how to file an answer in your state. If you are in military service and it affects your ability to pay the rent, ask the court to pause the eviction: the court must, usually for 90 days, if your rent is under a federal limit that changes each year. Call Military OneSource (800-342-9647) as soon as you have the papers.
Checked 7 October 2026 at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
A notice from your landlord is not yet a court orderTreat the date on the notice as the date to act by, and start calling today.United States (set by each state)
- How long
- Treat the date on the notice as the date to act by, and start calling today. No federal rule sets the length: your state, your city and your lease decide, and the notice states the date
- Starts
- the day the landlord's notice reaches you. Read the date it names and what it asks you to pay or fix. If no lawsuit has been filed, you are still before court
- If missed
- your landlord may file an eviction lawsuit, and then the court papers clock above starts. Ask legal aid what the date on your notice means where you live before you move out, and do not ignore the notice
- It lets you
- talk with your landlord about a repayment plan, ask 211 about local rental help, and ask legal aid or a HUD housing counselor to read the notice. Some states or local areas have rules that could delay an eviction while you get help. Ask 211 which rental help programs near you are open now: many federal programs have closed, and each sets its own dates.
Where this differs: Whether your landlord needs a court order before you must leave is set by your state: ask legal aid. If your landlord changes the locks, removes your things or cuts off power or water, call legal aid the same day, and 211 if you need somewhere to sleep. A housing authority or federally assisted landlord has its own notice rules: see the public housing clock
Checked 7 October 2026 at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Some rentals: the landlord must give you at least 30 days' notice. Ask legal aid whether your building is covered30 days is the least time a landlord may give you before requiring you to leave.United States (federal rule)
- How long
- 30 days is the least time a landlord may give you before requiring you to leave. It is a floor, not your deadline: the date on your notice or court papers still has to be answered. Courts disagree about how the rule applies, for example whether it covers only unpaid rent
- Starts
- the day your landlord gives you a notice to vacate, if your home is in a 'covered property': a building with a mortgage backed, insured or bought by a federal agency, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or one that takes part in a federal housing program
- If missed
- this is a protection, not a deadline you can miss. If your notice gave fewer days, tell legal aid and the court. Do not rely on it alone, and do not skip your court date
- It lets you
- ask legal aid or the court to check whether your landlord gave the full notice. Your lease, your landlord or legal aid can tell you whether the building is covered
Where this differs: Most courts read this rule as covering unpaid rent only, and say the landlord must wait the 30 days before going to court; Iowa's top court is an exception. A bill in Congress would repeal it, so ask legal aid whether it still applies. Public housing has its own 30-day rule for unpaid rent: see the public housing clock
Checked 7 October 2026 at US Code, 15 U.S.C. 9058(c), CARES Act section 4024 (Cornell Legal Information Institute)
Public housing: you may have a right to a hearing before evictionYour housing authority's notice and grievance procedure give the time to ask for a hearing, and that date wins: ask as soon as you have the notice, in writing if you can, and keep a copy.United States (federal rule)
- How long
- Your housing authority's notice and grievance procedure give the time to ask for a hearing, and that date wins: ask as soon as you have the notice, in writing if you can, and keep a copy. If the notice is for unpaid rent, federal rules today say it must give you at least 30 days, show what you owe month by month, and give the date to pay by before an eviction can be filed
- Starts
- the day the housing authority gives you a written notice that it plans to end your lease. When a hearing is required, the notice must tell you how to ask for one
- If missed
- you may lose the right to the hearing. Some reasons for ending a lease do not allow a hearing, and the notice must say so. Call legal aid or a HUD housing counselor at once
- It lets you
- pay the amount on the notice by the date it gives, if you can, or ask the housing authority and legal aid about a plan before that date. Have a hearing before the housing authority can end your tenancy. When a hearing is required, the tenancy does not end, even if a notice to vacate under state or local law has run out, until the time to ask for a hearing has passed and, if you asked in time, the hearing process is finished
Where this differs: This covers public housing. A Section 8 voucher or another federally assisted home has different rules: ask the housing authority or legal aid. HUD has proposed removing the 30-day notice for unpaid rent; the change has not taken effect, so ask legal aid what applies when you get your notice
Checked 7 October 2026 at US Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 CFR 966.4 (eCFR)
If abuse is part of this: answer a written request for proof within 14 business days14 business days from the day you get the written request.United States (federal rule)
- How long
- 14 business days from the day you get the written request. If you need more time, ask in writing before the date passes: the provider may give you longer
- Starts
- the day you receive a written request from your housing provider for proof of the domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking, after you have told them you are a survivor. This applies in public housing, Section 8 and other federally assisted homes
- If missed
- the provider may go ahead with the eviction. Send the certification form as soon as you can and tell legal aid the same day
- It lets you
- keep the federal protection that you cannot be evicted because you are a survivor, if you are otherwise eligible. You choose which proof to give: HUD's certification form is one, and a police report cannot be required. You can also ask for an emergency transfer, and your information must be kept confidential
Where this differs: This covers public housing and many federally assisted homes; ask your housing provider whether yours is one. A private landlord with no federal program is not covered by this rule; your state or city may add its own protections. For an emergency transfer after a sexual assault at your housing, the assault must have happened in the 90 days before you ask
Checked 7 October 2026 at US Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 CFR 5.2007 (eCFR)
In the United Kingdom
Locks changed or told to go without a court order: act the same daySame day.England only
- How long
- Same day. There is no waiting time. Call the police if someone is trying to remove you or your things without a court order or a court-appointed bailiff, and call your council
- Starts
- the moment it happens: you find the locks changed, you are evicted without a court order, or you are not given the notice your landlord must give
- If missed
- the sooner you tell the police and your council, the sooner they can act. Keep texts, photos and the date and time. If you have nowhere to sleep tonight, call your council's homelessness team and ask for the out-of-hours number if the office is shut
- It lets you
- have the police step in: GOV.UK says illegal eviction is a criminal offence and the police can prevent it. Your council can take action against a landlord who harasses or illegally evicts you. You may have the right to be let back in, to claim compensation or to apply for a rent repayment order
Where this differs: England. Lodgers who share rooms with the landlord have less protection from eviction, but the landlord must give reasonable notice and return your belongings: ask your council. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules: see their clocks
Checked 7 October 2026 at GOV.UK (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government)
A notice from your private landlord is not an order to leaveThe notice gives a date, and the least time your landlord must give depends on the reason: 4 weeks if you owe rent, 2 weeks for some reasons such as breaking the tenancy terms, up to 4 months if they want to sell or move in.England only
- How long
- the notice gives a date, and the least time your landlord must give depends on the reason: 4 weeks if you owe rent, 2 weeks for some reasons such as breaking the tenancy terms, up to 4 months if they want to sell or move in. For anti-social behaviour they can go to court straight away. If you are still there when the date passes, your landlord has to go to court: they cannot take your home back without a court order
- Starts
- the day your landlord gives you the written notice. Since 1 May 2026 a private landlord in England ends an assured periodic tenancy with a 'section 8' notice that must give a reason. The 'no fault' section 21 notice can no longer be used to evict you, even if your tenancy agreement says it can
- If missed
- if you are still in your home when the notice ends, your landlord has to go to court. If the court gives them an order, you may have to pay their legal costs as well as any rent you owe. Your landlord cannot remove you by force
- It lets you
- get free legal advice from the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service as soon as you have a written notice, and ask your council for help. Check the reason and the date on the notice. If the reason is owing 3 months' rent or more, GOV.UK says you cannot be evicted for that reason if you owe less than that by the court hearing, and arrears caused by Universal Credit not being paid do not count. Keep paying the full rent if you can; if you cannot, pay the most you can afford
Where this differs: This is for private tenants in England. If your landlord asked you to leave before 1 May 2026, GOV.UK says different rules apply. Council and housing association tenants, lodgers who live with the landlord, and people with a licence have different rules. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules: see their clocks
Checked 7 October 2026 at GOV.UK (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Eviction court papers in England: send back the defence formGOV.UK says you need to return the defence form to the court within 14 days.England only
- How long
- GOV.UK says you need to return the defence form to the court within 14 days. If your papers give a different date, follow your papers. Do not wait for the hearing date to send it back
- Starts
- the day the court papers reach you. They include copies of your landlord's claim, a defence form and a date for your hearing. Count from the day they were sent or delivered, not the day you opened them
- If missed
- send it anyway, today, and contact the court and a housing adviser. A late defence does not stop you taking part in the hearing, but you may have to pay extra costs or fees. Go to the hearing whatever happens: if you do not attend, it is very likely the judge will decide you will lose your home
- It lets you
- say why you owe rent or why you disagree with the claim, and show if things have changed, for example that you have paid back rent. If the form is hard to fill in, you can send a short statement. The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service may be able to help with the form for free, and to advise and represent you at the hearing
Where this differs: If your papers are for 'accelerated possession' (only possible where your landlord gave a valid notice before 1 May 2026 and applied in time), GOV.UK says to return the defence form or a statement within 14 days of receiving it, and a hearing is not usual. If you miss the 14 days, your landlord can ask the judge for a possession order on the papers; a defence that reaches the court before they ask is still read, so send it at once. Rules for notices given before 1 May 2026 are different. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: see their clocks
Checked 7 October 2026 at GOV.UK (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government)
After a possession order in England: appeal, delay, or get advice earlyTo appeal you normally have up to 21 days from the order, using Form N161, and you need permission and proper legal grounds.England only
- How long
- To appeal you normally have up to 21 days from the order, using Form N161, and you need permission and proper legal grounds. If a bailiff's notice comes, GOV.UK says you will usually have at least 14 days' notice of the eviction date. Ask the court to delay the eviction before that date
- Starts
- the day the judge makes the possession order. If a bailiff's eviction notice comes later, that starts a second, shorter time
- If missed
- if the order is outright, after the date in it your landlord can ask the court for a warrant, a court bailiff can evict you, and some of the cost can be added to what you owe. If the order is suspended, you can stay as long as you keep to its conditions, such as paying what it says; if you miss one, ask for advice the same day. To cancel an order, apply as soon as you know the court made it. Do not wait until the bailiffs are due: GOV.UK says people who ask for help early are more likely to be able to stay
- It lets you
- ask a judge at a new hearing to suspend the bailiff's warrant, which is not automatic and is mainly for orders made on 'discretionary' reasons. Ask the court to cancel an order if a good reason stopped you attending the hearing. Ask to change your payments if your situation changes. Each has court forms and fees, with help for people who qualify
Where this differs: England only. At the hearing, a judge can delay the date you must leave if you show it would cause you extreme hardship: ask then, with evidence. The money part of an order can be enforced separately. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: see their clocks
Checked 7 October 2026 at GOV.UK (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Ask your council for homelessness help as soon as you have the noticeYou can ask your council for help as soon as you get a notice: GOV.UK says so.England only
- How long
- You can ask your council for help as soon as you get a notice: GOV.UK says so. The council's duty to help you keep your home can start when you are likely to be homeless within 56 days. Once the council accepts the duty, it must take reasonable steps to help you keep a place to live
- Starts
- the day you get a notice or court papers, or the day you think you may lose your home. Do not wait until the notice runs out. The law counts you as 'threatened with homelessness' if it is likely you will become homeless within 56 days, and a valid landlord notice can count when its date is within 56 days
- If missed
- if you wait, help starts later. GOV.UK says to contact the council's homelessness prevention team before you agree to leave your home. Do that before you sign anything or hand back keys. If your landlord locks you out, you may count as homeless that day: call the council at once
- It lets you
- ask the council's homelessness team for advice and for a plan. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, the council must provide emergency housing when it has reason to believe you may be homeless, eligible for help and in priority need. Shelter says every council should have an out-of-hours number: look on your council's website for it
Where this differs: England. The council checks whether you are eligible for help (immigration status can matter) and whether you are in priority need, so being refused emergency housing is not the end: ask Shelter or Citizens Advice, and ask the council to put the decision in writing. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own homelessness law: see their clocks
Checked 7 October 2026 at legislation.gov.uk (Housing Act 1996, section 175)
Wales: a landlord's notice is not an order to leaveThe notice names the date.Wales
- How long
- the notice names the date. Welsh law sets the least time before your landlord can go to court: for anti-social behaviour, the day the notice is given; for serious rent arrears, usually 14 days; for other breaches, including other rent arrears, one month; for a landlord's notice with no reason, at least six months. The date on your notice is the date to follow
- Starts
- the day your landlord gives you a written notice. In Wales your home is usually an occupation contract under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, and the notice must say the reason and give the date after which your landlord can ask the court to take the home back
- If missed
- your landlord can make a possession claim to the court, and the court can make an order saying when you must leave. Get advice before the notice date, not after it
- It lets you
- stay in your home until your landlord has made a possession claim and a court has decided it. If court papers arrive, they carry their own dates: follow them, and get advice the same day. Free legal advice from the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service covers Wales, from the day you get a written notice
Where this differs: Wales has its own rules, different from England. GOV.UK's England pages and the 2026 England changes do not apply here. Council help for people who may lose their home is also set by Welsh law: contact your council's housing or homelessness team and Shelter Cymru
Checked 7 October 2026 at Welsh Government (gov.wales)
Scotland: a notice to leave is not an eviction orderMygov.scot says the notice period is either 28 days or 84 days, depending on the eviction ground and how long you have lived there, and that it is longer when the landlord uses more than one ground with different periods.Scotland
- How long
- mygov.scot says the notice period is either 28 days or 84 days, depending on the eviction ground and how long you have lived there, and that it is longer when the landlord uses more than one ground with different periods. The date written on your notice is the date to follow
- Starts
- the day your private landlord gives you a notice to leave. It must be in writing and say that you must leave, the reason (an 'eviction ground') and the notice period. A notice with mistakes may stop your landlord getting an eviction order, so keep it and take it to an adviser
- If missed
- if you have not moved out by the end of the notice period, your landlord can apply to the tribunal for an eviction order. Do not ignore letters from the tribunal: they carry their own dates, so follow them and get advice the same day
- It lets you
- stay until your landlord has applied to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) and has an eviction order. The tribunal decides whether evicting you is reasonable, and it considers whether rent arrears are only there because a benefit was late or not paid. Your council has a legal duty to help you if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Get advice from Shelter Scotland or Citizens Advice before the notice period ends
Where this differs: Scotland has its own rules, different from England. This is for private residential tenancies. Other tenancy types, council and housing association homes have different rules: ask Shelter Scotland. If your landlord used false information to get you to leave, mygov.scot says you may be able to apply for compensation
Checked 7 October 2026 at mygov.scot (Scottish Government)
Northern Ireland: a notice to quit is not a court orderNidirect says the notice must give no less than 4 weeks if you have rented for 12 months or less, no less than 8 weeks if more than 12 months and up to 10 years, and no less than 12 weeks if more than 10 years.Northern Ireland
- How long
- nidirect says the notice must give no less than 4 weeks if you have rented for 12 months or less, no less than 8 weeks if more than 12 months and up to 10 years, and no less than 12 weeks if more than 10 years. These are minimums. The date on your notice is the date to follow
- Starts
- the day your landlord gives you a written notice to quit. Your landlord must give you the notice in writing, except at the end of a fixed term
- If missed
- your landlord can go to court to recover possession. Get advice before the notice ends, and go to any court hearing. Housing Rights runs a court duty scheme that helps tenants on the day of a hearing for repossession
- It lets you
- stay in your home until a court order: nidirect says a landlord can only recover possession through court proceedings if you refuse to move out. If you may become homeless, call the Housing Executive's Homelessness Line on 03448 920 908, at any hour. If you are harassed, ask your local council's environmental health team and Housing Rights for help; if there is violence, call 999
Where this differs: Northern Ireland has its own rules, different from England, Scotland and Wales. At the end of a fixed term your landlord does not need to give a notice to quit, but still needs a court order to make you leave. If you share the home with your landlord and rent only a room, you may be a licensee with fewer rights. Council and Housing Executive tenants have different rules
Checked 7 October 2026 at nidirect (Northern Ireland Executive)
Who to call
Jump to: United States · United Kingdom
In the United States
Legal Services Corporation — Find Legal Aid
finds free legal aid for your area: ask them to read your notice or court papers
lsc.gov · Website, any time
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- an address or a city: the finder uses it to show the legal aid organization that covers your area
They can
- show you the LSC-funded legal aid organization for your area, with its phone number and website, for a civil legal problem
- point you to LawHelp.org for information about your legal questions and free legal forms
They cannot
- give you legal advice itself: LSC pays for legal aid organizations, and you contact the one for your area
shows how to file an answer to an eviction lawsuit in your state, and free legal help near you
lawhelp.org · Online
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- the state or territory where you live: the site starts by asking you to choose it
They can
- send you to legal aid and other low-cost legal help near you
- give you legal help guides, including one on court fees and getting them paid
- help you create legal documents for free in areas such as housing, with LawHelp Interactive
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
free eviction counseling: a counselor can help you make a plan
Call 1-800-569-4287 · Automated line any time; live help in business hours
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- say your preferred language when you call: HUD says you can ask for a live operator in a wide variety of languages
They can
- find a HUD-participating housing counseling agency near you: call 800-569-4287 (202-708-1455 TTY) or search online
- offer rental counseling for eviction, landlord and tenant disputes and Section 8, and homeless counseling, through the agencies
- give eviction counseling free: HUD says eviction, foreclosure and homeless counseling are always free
- help you file a housing discrimination complaint
They cannot
- promise that every agency offers every service: HUD says not all agencies offer all types of counseling, so ask the agency about eviction help first
say: I got an eviction notice and I need help with rent or somewhere to stay
Call 211 · 24/7 in most areas
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- a few facts about your current living situation
- any income you have
- the children or other dependents who live with you
They may ask
- about your current living situation
- about any income you have
- about any children or other dependents who live with you
They can
- connect you to local help with rent, mortgage, utilities, food and health care
- talk to you by phone; some local 211s also offer text and web chat, so check yours
- use 180 languages on request
- keep the call confidential, and it can be anonymous
- give you other ideas if you do not qualify for one program: you can call again
They cannot
- give you money themselves: 211 is the number for information and referrals to services
- help in a life-threatening emergency: call 911 first if you or someone you love is in one or may be a danger to someone else
National Domestic Violence Hotline
if abuse is part of why you are being evicted or why you need to leave
Call 1-800-799-7233 · Text Text START to 88788 · 24/7
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- put you through to a live advocate by phone (1-800-799-7233), chat, or text START to 88788; message and data rates may apply
- give support, crisis intervention, education about domestic violence, and community resources and referrals
- point you to local providers, including shelters and legal help, and to other lines: StrongHearts for Native Americans and Alaska Natives (844.762.8483) and a video phone line for people who are deaf or hard of hearing (855.812.1001)
They cannot
- give direct financial help such as cash support, hotel vouchers or transportation vouchers: the Hotline says it can connect you with community resources that may support these needs
if you or your partner is in the military: free legal help, including with a lease, and the way to your Legal Assistance Office
Call 800-342-9647 · 24/7/365
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- answer everyday questions, from relocation to recreation, and connect you to someone who can if they cannot
- connect you to free resources, specialty consultations or confidential counseling, if you are eligible
- coach you on topics such as taxes and finances, health and wellness tools, the adoption process, wounded warrior benefits and special needs resources
- talk by secure live chat, 24/7/365, using a single sign-on to log in
- take TTY/TDD calls: dial 711 and give 800-342-9647
In the United Kingdom
housing advice in England if you may lose your home, weekdays only. It gives advice, not beds: for tonight, call your council
Call 0808 800 4444 · Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Closed weekends and bank holidays.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- if you need an interpreter, the language you need: tell your adviser at the start, and they can get an interpreter on the call, which takes a few minutes
They can
- give you advice if you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are at risk of abuse or harm at home, or are worried about losing your home in the next 2 months
- help through webchat, or by textphone or an app through Relay UK, if you are deaf or have a speech impairment
They cannot
- provide accommodation: they give advice only
- advise outside England: Shelter England advises on English housing law only, and points to Shelter Scotland and Shelter Cymru
- answer weekends or bank holidays: the helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
The helpline is in high demand and you might wait over an hour at busy times. Your call will be answered unless you are still in the queue at 5pm, when the service closes. Try again if you cannot get through.
if your landlord is a council or housing association in England and you want to complain about how it has handled your tenancy or its complaint process: it is free. It looks at complaints after your landlord's complaint process; it does not stop an eviction.
Call 0300 111 3000 · Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 5pm. Thursday, 9am to 3.30pm.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your landlord’s stage 2 reply, which is its final answer to your complaint
- a copy of the complaint you made to your landlord
- what went wrong, what you think your landlord should have done, and what it should do to put things right
They may ask
- about you, your landlord and the details of your complaint
They can
- ask your landlord to reply if it is not following its own complaint process, and issue a Complaint Handling Failure Notice if it does not
- investigate complaints about things like property condition and repairs, rent and service charges, and antisocial behaviour affecting your home
- take your complaint if you are a tenant, leaseholder or shared owner of a social landlord
They cannot
- take a new complaint by email
- investigate before it has your landlord’s stage 2 response, unless it is helping you get a response
- help if you live in Wales or Scotland: it only deals with social housing in England
It is currently taking up to 20 working days to reply to new enquiries sent through the online form. You do not need to chase it, and you do not need to send supporting papers until it asks for them.
Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (legal aid)
free legal help in England and Wales from the day you get a written notice, whatever your income, and at the court hearing
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your postcode, to find your nearest provider
They can
- give free legal advice from the moment you receive written notice that someone is seeking possession of your home
- advise on illegal eviction, disrepair and other problems with housing conditions, rent arrears, mortgage arrears, welfare benefits payments and debt
- give free legal advice and representation at the court if you are asked to attend a hearing
They cannot
- be reached by phone from the GOV.UK page, which gives no number: you type your postcode into the find legal advice service to find a provider
Civil Legal Advice (legal aid, England and Wales)
free legal aid by phone in England and Wales if you are eligible, including housing if you are at risk of being evicted
Call 0345 345 4345 · Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Saturday, 9am to 12:30pm.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- recent payslips, if you are working
- bank statements
- details of any savings and investments you have
- details of any benefits you get
- mortgage statements and a current valuation for any property you own
They may ask
- you to explain your problem and give proof of your finances, so they can confirm you are eligible
They can
- put you through to a legal adviser if it sounds like you are eligible
- call you back if you do not want to pay for the call
- give you a free interpreter, including British Sign Language
- take Relay UK calls: 18001 then 0345 345 4345
They cannot
- help everyone: you have to be eligible for legal aid, and the adviser decides what advice you can get
- give you free calls: you may be charged for the call unless you ask them to call you back
- answer outside Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 12:30pm
housing advice in Wales if you may lose your home, weekdays only: for tonight, call your council
Call 08000 495 495 · Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- give housing advice on the urgent helpline, 08000 495 495, 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday
- chat with an adviser through webchat, or point you to an advice centre near you
- point you to its advice pages on homelessness and sleeping rough, and its housing advice for people under 25
They cannot
- give you a bed: Shelter Cymru says it does not have any shelters or kitchens for people who are street homeless
- answer outside 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday
The site warns of a high volume of calls and chats and a possible delay in reply. Try again if you cannot get through, and use the website's housing advice pages meanwhile.
housing advice in Scotland if you may lose your home, weekdays only: for tonight, call your council
Call 0808 800 4444 · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on bank holidays.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- if you need an interpreter, tell the adviser at the start of your call; for a British Sign Language interpreter, use Contact Scotland BSL
They can
- give you advice on your rights and options if you are homeless or about to become homeless, you are being evicted or forced out of your home, or the council has refused to help
- give advice if you have nowhere safe to stay, are sofa surfing, or you or someone you live with is vulnerable
- offer online chat if you have more questions
They cannot
- offer accommodation
- help if you are not in Scotland: Shelter Scotland sends people in England or Wales to Shelter England or Shelter Cymru
- answer on bank holidays: the helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and closed on bank holidays
They cannot always answer right away. Check their housing advice pages while you wait. Calls are free from UK landlines and most mobile networks.
Housing Rights (Northern Ireland)
free housing advice in Northern Ireland, including eviction
Call 028 9024 5640 · 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- speak to a housing adviser on 028 9024 5640, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, if you live in Northern Ireland and need housing advice
- chat online with the helpline advisers, using the pop-up on the site; if they are not available they get back to you by email
- take your housing problem through an online form, and get back to you by email
- help solve disputes in private rented tenancies with their Housing Mediation Service
They cannot
- give advice through the general contact form: that form is for general, non-advice queries only, and advice goes through the helpline, chat or advice form
- see you at their Belfast office without notice: call first to make an appointment
Northern Ireland Housing Executive (homelessness)
if you may lose your home in Northern Ireland, or have nowhere to sleep tonight
Call 03448 920 908 · Homelessness line in normal working hours, plus an emergency out-of-hours service after 5pm, at weekends and on bank holidays
Before you call: what to have ready
They may ask
- about your situation, in a housing solutions interview and homeless assessment with a Housing Advisor
They can
- put you through to a Housing Advisor in your local office in normal working hours, who looks at your housing options and any need for temporary accommodation
- give you advice about homelessness free: the Housing Executive must make sure it is available free to everyone
- help out of hours, after 5pm, at weekends and on bank holidays, if you have nowhere safe to stay and need emergency accommodation
They cannot
- promise you somewhere to stay: they might need to offer you somewhere, but that depends on your circumstances
Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)
free help with rent, benefits and money in England
Call 0800 144 8848 · Usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Not available on public holidays.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your postcode if you call from a mobile: if you do not have one, say one nearby such as a GP surgery, takeaway shop or taxi company
They may ask
- your postcode, from a mobile, to find your local Citizens Advice
They can
- connect you to your local Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)
- talk to you by online chat: Universal Credit claims 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, debt 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9:30am to 1pm Saturday
- help with a new Universal Credit claim through Help to Claim, free and confidential, from the application to the first payment
- take Relay UK calls (18001 then 0800 144 8848)
They cannot
- answer on public holidays: Adviceline is not available then
- cover all of the UK on this number: it is for England, Wales has a separate Advicelink line, and there are a few parts of England not yet covered
- help everywhere: most local Citizens Advice can only help if you live or work in their area
Usually busiest at the start of the day. At busy times you might wait up to an hour, and a call not answered within an hour is disconnected, so try again later. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines.
Citizens Advice Cymru (Advicelink Wales)
the same help in Wales
Call 0800 702 2020 · Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm. Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- connect you to an adviser through Advicelink (Wales) on 0800 702 2020, free from mobiles and landlines
- talk to you by online chat about any other kind of problem, usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
- take Relay UK calls: 18001 then 0800 702 2020
- point you to the Citizens Advice consumer service for problems with energy, water or post
They cannot
- answer on public holidays: Advicelink is not available then
- help you in person if you live outside your local office's area: most local Citizens Advice can only help if you live or work in their area
Usually busiest at the beginning and end of the day. At busy times you might wait up to an hour, and a call not answered within an hour is disconnected, so try again later.
Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline)
the same help in Scotland
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your postcode: the page finds your local Citizens Advice Bureau by postcode
They can
- put you through to an adviser at your local bureau by phone on 0800 028 1456, the Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline
- give free, confidential and impartial advice, and help you work out next steps
- raise a complaint with an energy supplier for you through its Extra Help Unit, if you may be considered vulnerable or at risk of disconnection
- give advice online, on its advice pages
benefits and debt advice in Northern Ireland, if rent arrears are part of this
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- give advice on benefits, personal debt and managing bills, through the freephone helpline on 0800 915 4604
- answer by email at advice@adviceni.net
- point you to an Advice NI member near you if you need face-to-face advice
They cannot
- see you in person themselves: for face-to-face advice you contact a local advice centre run by an Advice NI member
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
if abuse is part of why you are being evicted or why you need to leave, and you are in England: 24 hours a day. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, use your own nation's line, next
Call 0808 2000 247 · 24 hours a day
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- if you think someone might be monitoring your devices, the site says to leave it and visit from a safe device
They can
- talk with you in confidence, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 0808 2000 247, free, or through live chat
- talk about domestic abuse, safety planning, advice and support, in many different languages
- help you find a refuge place or other specialist services
- offer a British Sign Language service, 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday
They cannot
- help you directly to get a non-molestation order: the site says it offers signposting, and points to Rights of Women for advice and support on that
- replace 999: if you are in an emergency, call 999
if you are a man, or trans or non-binary, and abuse is part of why you are being evicted or why you need to leave: phone Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, free, you do not have to prove anything.
Call 0808 8010327 · Phone Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Webchat Monday to Friday, 9am to 10am.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- nothing is needed: you do not have to give your name, date of birth or address, or prove anything
They may ask
- a few questions about your situation and your level of risk, so they can help with a safety plan. You can say you are not ready to answer.
- at the end, some optional monitoring questions for their funders, such as your age and which local authority you live in. You cannot be identified by your answers.
They can
- listen without judgement and give practical advice and information
- point you to services for legal advice, child contact, counselling and housing
- give you about 30 minutes, and more if you need it
- get you an interpreter by phone, or talk through Relay UK
- move your call to another adviser if you ask for an adviser of a different gender, if one is available
They cannot
- give legal advice: advisers can give legal information and point you to services that give advice
- take a call outside Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, or webchat outside Monday to Friday, 9am to 10am
You might wait in a queue and can stay on the line as long as you like. If you do not want to queue, the site says you can email the helpline or use webchat in its opening hours. On webchat, try to reply within 2 minutes.
the same in Wales, at any hour
Call 0808 80 10 800 · Text Text 07860077333 · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- give free advice and support, or talk through your options, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone on 0808 80 10 800 (calls are welcomed in Welsh), text on 07860077333, live chat or email
- help anyone who has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, and people who know someone who needs help
- keep your conversations confidential: the site says staff are highly experienced and fully trained
Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
the same in Scotland, at any hour
Call 0800 027 1234 · Text Text / WhatsApp: 07401288595 · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- talk with you in confidence, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 027 1234; you can also text or use WhatsApp on 07401288595, use online chat or email
- listen and believe you, give information, direct you to agencies that may help, give emotional support and offer crisis intervention in emergencies
- give practical support, including housing support, and information on accommodation and housing options and refuge
- use a confidential interpreting service: you may be asked to hold, or be called back, while an interpreter is arranged; Relay UK and British Sign Language through Contact Scotland BSL are also available
They cannot
- replace 999: the site says if you are in immediate danger, phone 999
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline (Northern Ireland)
the same in Northern Ireland if you are 18 or over, at any hour. If you are under 18, call Childline on 0800 1111, or 999 if you are in danger
Call 0808 802 1414 · 24/7, 365 days a year
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- talk with trained helpline staff, free and confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year, on 0808 802 1414, or by email (help@dsahelpline.org) or live chat
- give you information and guidance that fits your own circumstances
They cannot
- help anyone under 18: the site says the helpline is for anyone aged 18 and over
- replace 999: the site says if you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999
Say it this way
Change anything to your own words.
Hi, I have your notice dated [date]. I would like to find a way to stay and sort this out. Could we talk this week? Could you also send me in writing the reason, the amount you say is owed and the date you are asking for? I am getting advice and will reply in writing. Thank you.
Hello. I have received court papers about my home. My case number is [number]. Could you tell me the date my answer or defence is due, whether a hearing date is set, and whether the court has a mediation service or an advice desk? Could you also tell me where to send my reply? Thank you.
Hello. I got an eviction notice [or court papers] on [date]. I live in [state or nation]. I have the paper in front of me. It gives the reason as [reason] and the date as [date]. Could someone read it with me today? What are the first things I should do, and is there a date I might miss?
Hello. My landlord has given me a notice to leave my home, dated [date]. I would like to ask for help to keep my home or find somewhere else. Who can I speak to today? If I need help tonight, what is your out-of-hours number? Could you put what you tell me in writing? Thank you.
Not for you if…
This guide is for a renter who has a notice to leave, or court papers, from a landlord in the US or the UK. It is not for someone who lives with their landlord or rents a room in the landlord's home: lodgers and room-sharers have different rules, so call Shelter, Housing Rights in Northern Ireland, or legal aid. It is not for an owner whose lender is taking the home: foreclosure in the US and repossession in the UK are a different problem: a HUD housing counselor in the US, or the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service in England and Wales (it covers mortgage arrears too), Citizens Advice Scotland in Scotland, or Housing Rights in Northern Ireland, is the place to start. If you rent and it is your landlord's lender taking the building, you are still a tenant with rights: tell the lender you are a tenant and ask legal aid or Shelter. It is not for a business renting a shop or an office. It is not for someone whose family is making them leave: see the library page 'My parents told me to leave home: who do I call first?'. Council, housing association and other social tenants have separate rules that this page only touches. The rules change by state and nation, and a notice or court paper can turn on one small detail. Take the paper to a legal aid office, or in the UK to a Shelter or Citizens Advice adviser, and ask them to read it before any date on it passes.
A different emergency? Account frozen or closed · Benefits stopped · A car accident · Suspended or excluded from school · Debt collector or court papers · Flood, fire or storm · Unsafe home · Hurt at work · Paid a scammer · Lost my job · Lost wallet or phone · A medical bill · Nowhere to sleep · Shutoff notice · Someone died · Someone is missing · A tax bill · Told to leave home
From the library
I can’t pay my rent this month — what do I do?
I got a shutoff notice, court papers or a denial letter — what do I do before the date?
My rented home has mould, a noisy neighbour or a rent rise — what can I actually do?
My parents have told me to leave home — who do I call first?
I'm sleeping in my car — how do I stay safe and get help?