Served Eviction Notice

What Happens If My Landlord Has Served Me With a Notice?

If your landlord has served you with a notice, it means they intend to seek possession of the property. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords must use the correct legal notice and follow the required procedures before they can ask a court to grant possession.

Common notices include:

  • RHW20 Notice (Serious Rent Arrears) where possession is being sought due to rent arrears.
  • RHW16 Notice (No Fault Notice) where a landlord wishes to regain possession of the property without relying on a breach of the occupation contract, for example if they intend to sell the property.

Receiving a notice does not mean you must leave your home immediately. You should seek housing advice as soon as possible.

How Do I Know If My Notice Is Valid?

A notice will only be valid if your landlord has:

  • Used the correct legal form.
  • Complied with the requirements of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
  • Registered and, where required, licensed through Rent Smart Wales.
  • Protected any security deposit in an approved tenancy deposit scheme.

For further information on eviction and your rights, please visit Shelter Cymru.

What Happens Next?

Once a valid notice has expired, your landlord may apply to the court for possession of the property. The court will consider the application and decide whether possession should be granted.

In most cases, you are entitled to remain in the property until:

  1. The court grants a possession order.
  2. The date for possession set by the court has passed.

You should continue paying your rent and complying with your occupation contract while you remain in the property.

If your landlord is seeking possession because of rent arrears, it may still be possible to prevent homelessness by working with your landlord to address the arrears and maintain the tenancy.

Housing Solutions Support

If you have received a notice, are worried about losing your home, or believe you may become homeless, contact the Housing Solutions Team as soon as possible. Early intervention often provides the greatest opportunity to prevent homelessness.

The Housing Solutions Team is based at the Civic Centre, Merthyr Tydfil.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
  • Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Telephone: 01685 725455
Email: Housing@merthyr.gov.uk

Housing Solutions can provide:

  • Advice on your housing rights and options.
  • Assistance to help prevent homelessness.
  • Negotiation with landlords where appropriate.
  • Support to secure alternative accommodation.
  • Advice on accessing private rented accommodation.
  • Referrals to support and welfare services.
  • Information about temporary accommodation where applicable.

Do not wait until you have lost your home. Contact us as soon as you receive a notice or if you are concerned about your housing situation.