A tenant eviction specialist handles possession work full time rather than as a sideline. But “specialist” is not a protected title. Anyone can use it.
Since Section 21 was abolished, every possession claim goes to court. That makes who you instruct more important than it used to be.
Three types of eviction provider
| Provider | Can draft notices | Can represent you in court | Regulated by |
| SRA-regulated solicitor | Yes | Yes | Solicitors Regulation Authority |
| Eviction company | Yes | Usually not | Often unregulated |
| DIY | Yes | Yes (as a litigant in person) | N/A |
The court stage is where the difference shows. An unregulated eviction company can prepare your paperwork. Many cannot stand up at your hearing.
Under Section 21, that rarely mattered — most claims never reached a hearing. Under Section 8, a hearing is expected in every case.
What to check before you instruct
- Are they SRA-regulated? Check the register. A firm number should be easy to find.
- Will they attend the hearing? Ask directly. Get it in writing.
- What happens if the tenant defends? Many fixed fees stop at the undefended stage.
- Is the fee fixed or hourly? Hourly billing on a contested case escalates fast.
- Do they handle enforcement? Possession orders are not evictions. Someone has to instruct bailiffs.
Why specialism matters more now
Possession work is procedural. Four things must be right at once.
| Element | Common failure |
| Ground | Wrong ground for the facts |
| Form | Outdated or non-prescribed notice |
| Notice period | Pre-May 2026 figures used |
| Service | Dated from posting, not deemed service |
Get one wrong and the claim is struck out. You lose the £415 court fee. You lose several months. Arrears keep building.
A general high-street firm may run two possession claims a year. A specialist runs them weekly. That is the whole difference.
What a specialist should cover
| Stage | Included? |
| Compliance review before notice | Yes |
| Notice drafted and served | Yes |
| Court claim issued | Yes |
| Hearing representation | Ask — often excluded |
| Reply to tenant defence | Ask — often excluded |
| Bailiff enforcement | Ask — often excluded |
Read the scope, not the headline price.
Work with regulated eviction specialists
Evictions Lawyers UK connects landlords with SRA-regulated panel solicitors who handle possession work full time. Fixed fees from £100 + VAT for a notice, £1,500 + VAT for a full eviction including court representation and bailiff attendance.
Contested cases are covered separately at £2,500 + VAT, so you know the position before the tenant files a defence.
Speak to Evictions Lawyers UK or call 0333 050 5381.
FAQs
Is “eviction specialist” a protected title?
No. Anyone can use it. Only “solicitor” is protected, and only SRA-regulated firms can conduct litigation.
Do I need a specialist or will any solicitor do?
Any solicitor can act. A specialist runs possession claims weekly rather than occasionally, which matters when the notice rules changed in May 2026.
What does a tenant eviction specialist cost?
Fixed fees from £100 + VAT for a notice. Full eviction from £1,500 + VAT. Court fees of £567 are separate.
See our guides to the Section 8 notice and the eviction process in England.
