Useful possession information for letting agents.
A concise resource for common questions, documents and case-preparation points. This page is general information and not a substitute for advice on a specific case.
Start with the facts and the evidence.
The appropriate possession route depends on the reason possession is being sought and the evidence available.
Core information to gather
- Tenancy agreement and current tenancy details
- Deposit information and prescribed-information records where relevant
- Proof of property ownership / right to possession
- Applicable property licence where the property is licensable
- The landlord's reason for possession
- Evidence supporting that reason
- Relevant tenant correspondence
- Any notices, court documents or enforcement paperwork already issued
What does BTC need first?
A short case summary, the tenancy record, deposit information, the landlord's chosen reason for possession and the evidence supporting that reason.
Does every case require the same documents?
No. The evidence needed depends on the circumstances and the possession ground relied upon. A rent-arrears case, for example, requires different evidence from a sale or owner-occupation case.
Is possession automatic once a notice expires?
No. Where the tenant does not leave, a court claim may be required and the relevant legal requirements still need to be satisfied.
What is especially important about the tenancy deposit?
Deposit compliance can materially affect possession proceedings. The deposit position should be reviewed carefully before the matter progresses.
Does BTC guarantee a possession date?
No. Court and enforcement timescales are outside BTC's control, and the current Terms & Conditions expressly state that possession by a specific date is not guaranteed.
Send the facts, not just the headline.
The fastest way to understand the route forward is to provide the tenancy details, reason for possession and supporting documents together.
Discuss the case