Understanding legal action and eviction

For us, eviction is always a last resort.
In social housing, you can usually only be evicted from your home if your landlord can provide a legal reason to evict you - this is known as grounds for possession.
In the first stage of an eviction process you’d be served with a legal document called a notice of proceedings. 
What are the reasons for eviction?

A notice seeking possession or notice of proceedings will always give the reason why someone is being evicted. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Rent arrears (remember we can help if you’re struggling to pay)
  • Anti-social behaviour
What should I do if I receive a notice?

Please don’t panic or ignore the notice. It may still be possible to stop or delay the eviction process.

One of the best things you can do is talk to us - the notice will include contact details for your Area Housing Manager or our Customer Contact Centre, and if you get in touch with us we can try to come to an agreement with you to stop things going any further.

You can also seek independent advice from organisations like Citizens Advice Bureau and Shelter Scotland

Click here to read our 'Paying your Rent Leaflet'

Will I have to go to court?

If we’ve been unable to sort things out with you, we’ll have to go to court to progress the possession process. Court proceedings can be issued anytime six months, after you’ve been served with a notice.

In court, a sheriff will decide whether you can keep your home. They will take a number of factors into account. Remember you have the right to defend yourself against the eviction in court - you may be entitled to free legal advice which could help and we’ll always provide you with the details of independent sources of advice.