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Bailiffs
A landlord can generally ask tenants to leave at any time after six months, subject to giving at least two months' notice in writing. Landlords can also apply to the court to end a tenancy at any time on certain grounds, including rent arrears and anti-social behaviour.
It is not unusual for a landlord to have to instruct bailiffs to evict tenants who fail to vacate after an order for possession has been made by a court.
It is generally a good idea for Landlords to do this as soon as the date for possession has passed, even if the tenants say they will be leaving; they may well change their mind, and it could take several weeks for a bailiffs' appointment to be obtained. If the tenants leave before the appointment, it can always be cancelled.
Note that bailiffs have the power to evict whoever they find on the premises, so an order for possession can also be used to evict lodgers who stay on after the official tenants have vacated, and even to evict squatters who move in after the tenants have left.
Remember, letting a property involves serious legal obligations and if you have any doubts about what you are doing you should consider taking advice from a solicitor or other suitably qualified property professional. These notes are offered as a general guide only and do not constitute legal or financial advice.
(Acknowledgements: www.landlordlaw.co.uk and www.communities.gov.uk)
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