Navigating evictions involves specific legal terms. Here’s a brief explanation of common ones:
- Arrears: Unpaid rent that is overdue.
- AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy): The most common tenancy type in England.
- Breach: When a tenant (or landlord) fails to comply with a term of the tenancy agreement.
- Deposit Protection Scheme: Government-approved scheme where tenancy deposits must be held (Eng/Wal/Scot).
- Discretionary Ground: An eviction reason where a court/Tribunal may grant possession if reasonable (e.g., minor rent arrears, some breaches).
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): Rates property energy efficiency; required document.
- FFHH (Fitness for Human Habitation): Standard for property condition in Wales.
- First-tier Tribunal (Housing & Property Chamber): Body handling landlord/tenant disputes (including evictions) in Scotland.
- Form 6A: The prescribed form for Section 21 notices in England.
- Grounds for Possession: Specific legal reasons required for Section 8 (Eng/Wal) or Notice to Leave (Scot) evictions.
- Mandatory Ground: An eviction reason where a court/Tribunal must grant possession if proven (e.g., serious rent arrears - Ground 8).
- Notice Period: The minimum amount of time legally required between serving notice and the date the tenant must leave.
- Notice to Leave: The eviction notice document used for PRTs in Scotland.
- Occupation Contract: The standard tenancy agreement type in Wales under the Renting Homes Act.
- Prescribed Information: Specific details about deposit protection that must be given to tenants (Eng/Wal).
- PRT (Private Residential Tenancy): The standard tenancy type in Scotland since Dec 2017.
- Repairing Standard: Standard for property condition in Scotland.
- Section 8 Notice: Grounds-based eviction notice (Eng/Wal).
- Section 21 Notice: 'No-fault' eviction notice (Eng/Wal).
- Service: The formal act of delivering the notice to the tenant.
Understanding these terms helps demystify the eviction process.
