How much does it cost to evict a tenant in 2026?
Court fees, bailiff costs, and lost rent - the realistic numbers for a Section 8 possession claim.
Eviction in England is significantly more expensive than most landlords expect. The total cost - court fees, enforcement, solicitors, and lost rent while the process runs - can easily reach £3,000 to £10,000 for a contested case. Understanding the breakdown helps you budget and, more importantly, decide whether arrears management or early negotiation is cheaper.
The figures below reflect 2026 County Court fee scales and typical solicitor rates for England. Costs in Wales may differ.
Court fees
Claim for possession (N5/N5B): £391 for an accelerated procedure claim or a standard possession claim.
Money claim for rent arrears up to £5,000: £205 (filed alongside the possession claim).
Warrant of possession (to enforce a possession order via bailiff): £143.
Total court fees for an uncontested arrears case: approximately £535 to £740 depending on whether you also claim the debt.
Solicitor costs
Uncontested Section 8 claim, solicitor-managed: £600 to £1,200 in solicitor fees on top of court fees.
Contested hearing (tenant defends or counterclaims): £1,500 to £4,000+ depending on how many hearings are required.
DIY (no solicitor): court fees only, but errors in the notice or claim form will cause delays that cost more than a solicitor would have.
Bailiff and enforcement costs
County Court bailiff warrant: £143 (included above). Typical wait: 6 to 12 weeks from order to enforcement appointment.
High Court enforcement (transfer up): additional £71 transfer fee plus HCEO fees, typically £200 to £400. Often faster than County Court bailiffs.
Locksmith on the day: £100 to £300.
Lost rent
This is usually the largest cost. From serving a Section 8 notice (4 weeks to 4 months depending on ground) to bailiff enforcement can take 4 to 12 months for a defended claim. At even £800/month that is £3,200 to £9,600 in unpaid rent on top of court costs.
Uncontested arrears cases (Ground 8 with clear evidence) are typically resolved in 8 to 16 weeks from notice to possession.
Realistic total
Simple, uncontested Ground 8 claim (tenant does not attend): £1,500 to £2,500 all-in.
Contested claim with two hearings: £4,000 to £10,000 all-in including lost rent.
These figures are why arrears prevention - deposit, guarantor, regular rent statements - is almost always cheaper than eviction.
Source: gov.uk Guide to the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Last verified 2026-05-09. This page is informational, not legal advice. For complex disputes, consult a solicitor.