How Long Does It Take to Get a Possession Order After Section 21?
- Arnold Inventories
- Apr 17
- 5 min read
If you’re a landlord in England or Wales, chances are you’ve heard of a Section 21 notice. It's a legal tool that allows landlords to regain possession of their property without having to provide a reason, provided certain conditions are met.
But once a Section 21 notice has been served, what comes next? More specifically: how long does it take to get a possession order after Section 21?
What Is a Section 21 Notice?
A Section 21 notice is used to end an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) in England and Wales. It provides landlords with a no-fault route to regain possession of their rental property, as long as the tenancy agreement and legal requirements have been correctly followed.
You must give tenants at least two months’ notice, and the notice cannot expire before the end of the fixed term (unless there’s a break clause).
After Serving Section 21: The Road to Possession
So, how long does it take to get a possession order after Section 21 is served?
While each case can vary, here's a typical timeline:
1. Notice Period (2 months minimum)
Once you've issued the Section 21 notice, the tenants must be given a minimum of two months to vacate the property. This is a fixed statutory requirement.
⚠️ Ensure your notice is correctly served and includes all required documents (e.g., EPC, How to Rent guide, gas safety certificate). Errors here can invalidate the notice.
2. Waiting for Tenants to Vacate
3. Applying for a Possession Order (Up to 6 weeks)
4. Enforcement (If Tenants Still Don’t Leave)
Estimated Total Timeline
Stage | Timeframe |
Section 21 notice period | 2 months |
Court application & processing | 4–10 weeks |
Bailiff enforcement (if needed) | 2–6 weeks |
Total | 3.5 to 5.5 months |
Common Delays & How to Avoid Them
Incorrect paperwork: Make sure all compliance documents were served before issuing the notice.
Errors in the notice: Small mistakes (wrong dates, incomplete forms) can invalidate your Section 21 notice.
Court backlog: Court delays, especially in busy areas, can stretch timelines.
Tenant challenges: Tenants may dispute the notice or ask for more time, particularly if vulnerable.
At Arnold Inventories, we offer comprehensive check-in and check-out inventory services that ensure your paperwork is bulletproof—supporting successful possession claims if disputes arise.
How Arnold Inventories Can Help
Navigating a possession claim can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Our role is to make the process easier by providing:
Legally compliant property inventories
Detailed check-out reports
Mid-term inspections
Photo and video evidence to support Section 21 and deposit claims
All our reports are ARLA-compliant, professionally written, and delivered promptly.
By having professionally compiled documentation, landlords can reduce the risk of tenant disputes and strengthen their position in court.
👉 Learn more about our landlord services and how we can support your property management needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Section 21 and Possession Orders
How long does it take to get a possession order after a Section 21 notice?
On average, it takes 3.5 to 5.5 months from serving a Section 21 notice to gaining full possession of the property. This includes the 2-month notice period, court processing time for the possession order, and potential delays with enforcement if tenants don’t leave voluntarily.
What is a Section 21 notice and when can landlords use it?
What happens if tenants don’t leave after a Section 21 notice?
How long does the accelerated possession order process take?
Can landlords speed up the eviction process after Section 21?
What documents are required to serve a valid Section 21 notice?
Do landlords always need a court hearing for a possession order?
How can I protect myself from tenant disputes during the eviction process?
What if the tenants ask for more time to leave after the court order?
What’s the difference between a Section 21 and Section 8 notice?
