Eviction solicitors for landlords: when you need one
You can evict a tenant without a lawyer, but a mistake in a section 8 case usually means starting again. This page explains what an eviction solicitor does, when it's worth it, and how to check one. We are not a law firm.
How this page makes money: if you ask us to, we can introduce you to an SRA-regulated solicitor. We may receive a referral fee from the firm; we will tell you before any referral. See how we make money. Information, not legal advice.
What an eviction solicitor does
- Reviews the tenancy, deposit protection and any licensing issues before notice.
- Chooses the grounds and prepares Form 3A.
- Issues the claim (PCOL or N5/N119) and pays the £415 court fee on your behalf.
- Prepares witness statements and the rent schedule; arranges an advocate for the hearing.
- Applies for the warrant (£152) or permission to transfer to the High Court.
- Deals with defences, counterclaims (for example disrepair) and adjournments.
When a solicitor is most useful
- The tenant has defended, or is likely to raise disrepair, deposit or discrimination points.
- You're relying on discretionary or evidence-heavy grounds (antisocial behaviour, breach, Ground 1A sale).
- A previous notice or claim failed.
- You want High Court enforcement.
What to check before instructing
- Search the firm on the SRA register and confirm who will actually do the work.
- Ask for a written fixed fee per stage, and whether it includes VAT, the court fee, the advocate's fee for the hearing, and a second hearing if adjourned.
- Ask what happens if the tenant defends – many fixed fees only cover undefended cases.
- Compare with published fixed fees: see eviction costs.
What we do and don't do
We don't run court cases or attend hearings. We can prepare the section 8 notice at a fixed price (pricing), and if you want court help we can pass your details to an SRA-regulated firm with your permission.
Common questions
What does an eviction lawyer do?
Checks your tenancy and paperwork, prepares and serves the section 8 notice, issues the possession claim, prepares evidence, arranges an advocate for the hearing and applies for the warrant or High Court transfer.
What kind of lawyer do I need for an eviction?
A solicitor (or firm) regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, or a CILEx-authorised lawyer, with landlord and tenant experience. Running a court case and speaking in court are “reserved legal activities” that only authorised people can carry out for you.
Can a lawyer remove an eviction or stop a bailiff?
That is a tenant-side question: a tenant can apply to suspend a warrant or set aside an order, and a judge decides. Landlords facing such an application should get advice quickly.
Do I need a solicitor to evict a tenant?
No – landlords can bring their own claim and represent themselves. Many use a solicitor for defended cases, complex grounds or after an earlier claim failed.
Related guides
Court fees and fixed-fee ranges.DIY eviction guide →
If you want to do it yourself.The hearing →
What to expect.Your court →
Local volumes and backlog.
Sources
- SRA: Check a solicitor or firm
- legislation.gov.uk: Legal Services Act 2007, s12 (reserved legal activities)
- GOV.UK: Find legal advice
- GOV.UK: Repossessing your privately rented property after 1 May 2026
- GOV.UK: Civil court fees (EX50), updated 13 July 2026
Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Figures and fees change; check the official source before you act.