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Is it Reasonable to Grant Possession?
Ground 9 Suitable Alternative Accommodation
Disclaimer
Below are some examples of factors commonly raised at Court, however, this factors below are just some example, and are non-exhaustive. Even where the court accepts that suitable alternative accommodation is or will be available, it must still be satisfied that it is reasonable to make a possession order. The court may take the following factors into account when assessing whether possession is reasonable:
Disclaimer
Below are some examples of factors commonly raised at Court, however, this factors below are just some example, and are non-exhaustive. Even where the court accepts that suitable alternative accommodation is or will be available, it must still be satisfied that it is reasonable to make a possession order. The court may take the following factors into account when assessing whether possession is reasonable:
Disclaimer
Below are some examples of factors commonly raised at Court, however, this factors below are just some example, and are non-exhaustive. Even where the court accepts that suitable alternative accommodation is or will be available, it must still be satisfied that it is reasonable to make a possession order. The court may take the following factors into account when assessing whether possession is reasonable:
1
Factor 1
"Disruption to education or medical care"
Explanation
Where the proposed move would significantly disrupt a child’s education or ongoing medical care, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include the distance to the tenant’s school or treatment centre, the risk to continuity of care or educational progress, and the availability of equivalent support in the new location.
1
Factor 1
"Disruption to education or medical care"
Explanation
Where the proposed move would significantly disrupt a child’s education or ongoing medical care, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include the distance to the tenant’s school or treatment centre, the risk to continuity of care or educational progress, and the availability of equivalent support in the new location.
1
Factor 1
"Disruption to education or medical care"
Explanation
Where the proposed move would significantly disrupt a child’s education or ongoing medical care, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include the distance to the tenant’s school or treatment centre, the risk to continuity of care or educational progress, and the availability of equivalent support in the new location.
2
Factor 2
Impact on employment or caring responsibilities
Explanation
Where relocation would interfere with the tenant’s ability to maintain employment or fulfil caring duties, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include the extent of additional travel required, loss of access to workplace or carer support, and whether the tenant’s employment or caring duties are reasonably compatible with the proposed accommodation.
2
Factor 2
Impact on employment or caring responsibilities
Explanation
Where relocation would interfere with the tenant’s ability to maintain employment or fulfil caring duties, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include the extent of additional travel required, loss of access to workplace or carer support, and whether the tenant’s employment or caring duties are reasonably compatible with the proposed accommodation.
2
Factor 2
Impact on employment or caring responsibilities
Explanation
Where relocation would interfere with the tenant’s ability to maintain employment or fulfil caring duties, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include the extent of additional travel required, loss of access to workplace or carer support, and whether the tenant’s employment or caring duties are reasonably compatible with the proposed accommodation.
3
Factor 3
"Deterioration in living conditions or environment"
Explanation
If the new accommodation would lead to a noticeable decline in the tenant’s living environment or personal security, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include increased noise or antisocial behaviour, lack of nearby amenities, and whether the change would affect the tenant’s sense of stability or safety.
3
Factor 3
"Deterioration in living conditions or environment"
Explanation
If the new accommodation would lead to a noticeable decline in the tenant’s living environment or personal security, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include increased noise or antisocial behaviour, lack of nearby amenities, and whether the change would affect the tenant’s sense of stability or safety.
3
Factor 3
"Deterioration in living conditions or environment"
Explanation
If the new accommodation would lead to a noticeable decline in the tenant’s living environment or personal security, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include increased noise or antisocial behaviour, lack of nearby amenities, and whether the change would affect the tenant’s sense of stability or safety.
4
Factor 4
"Tenant’s vulnerability and need for stability"
Explanation
Where the tenant or a member of the household has vulnerabilities such as mental or physical health needs, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include whether the move would disrupt therapeutic routines, reduce access to familiar surroundings, or increase psychological stress or isolation.
4
Factor 4
"Tenant’s vulnerability and need for stability"
Explanation
Where the tenant or a member of the household has vulnerabilities such as mental or physical health needs, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include whether the move would disrupt therapeutic routines, reduce access to familiar surroundings, or increase psychological stress or isolation.
4
Factor 4
"Tenant’s vulnerability and need for stability"
Explanation
Where the tenant or a member of the household has vulnerabilities such as mental or physical health needs, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include whether the move would disrupt therapeutic routines, reduce access to familiar surroundings, or increase psychological stress or isolation.
5
Factor 5
"Lack of consultation or assistance"
Explanation
Where the landlord has failed to meaningfully consult or assist the tenant in preparing for the move, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include whether the tenant was given an opportunity to understand the process, whether their preferences were taken into account, and whether adequate support was provided to enable a smooth transition.
5
Factor 5
"Lack of consultation or assistance"
Explanation
Where the landlord has failed to meaningfully consult or assist the tenant in preparing for the move, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include whether the tenant was given an opportunity to understand the process, whether their preferences were taken into account, and whether adequate support was provided to enable a smooth transition.
5
Factor 5
"Lack of consultation or assistance"
Explanation
Where the landlord has failed to meaningfully consult or assist the tenant in preparing for the move, the court may take this into account.
Relevant considerations may include whether the tenant was given an opportunity to understand the process, whether their preferences were taken into account, and whether adequate support was provided to enable a smooth transition.
Court Responses to Submissions of Unreasonableness
01.
Adjournment Generally, with liberty to restore
Adjournment generally with liberty to restore means that the court will halt the proceedings for now, without making a final determination regarding the claim. After, the court has halted the proceedings without making any final orders, it would be for the Claimant to apply to the court in order to restore the proceedings for a final determination.
01.
Adjournment Generally, with liberty to restore
Adjournment generally with liberty to restore means that the court will halt the proceedings for now, without making a final determination regarding the claim. After, the court has halted the proceedings without making any final orders, it would be for the Claimant to apply to the court in order to restore the proceedings for a final determination.
01.
Adjournment Generally, with liberty to restore
Adjournment generally with liberty to restore means that the court will halt the proceedings for now, without making a final determination regarding the claim. After, the court has halted the proceedings without making any final orders, it would be for the Claimant to apply to the court in order to restore the proceedings for a final determination.
02.
Adjournment on Terms
Adjournment on terms means that the court will halt the proceedings on the basis of terms agreed between the parties. For example, it could be agreed the court will halt the proceedings on the basis that the tenant pay back £100 every month towards his arrears for 8 months, until he pays back the £800 in arrears. In this case, as long as the tenant complies with the order, the proceedings will be put on hold. However, if the tenant fails to comply with the terms of the agreement i.e fails to pay £100 on the second month of the agreement, then the Claimant would be entitled to restore the proceedings and request another hearing where the Court could consider making a final determination.
02.
Adjournment on Terms
Adjournment on terms means that the court will halt the proceedings on the basis of terms agreed between the parties. For example, it could be agreed the court will halt the proceedings on the basis that the tenant pay back £100 every month towards his arrears for 8 months, until he pays back the £800 in arrears. In this case, as long as the tenant complies with the order, the proceedings will be put on hold. However, if the tenant fails to comply with the terms of the agreement i.e fails to pay £100 on the second month of the agreement, then the Claimant would be entitled to restore the proceedings and request another hearing where the Court could consider making a final determination.
02.
Adjournment on Terms
Adjournment on terms means that the court will halt the proceedings on the basis of terms agreed between the parties. For example, it could be agreed the court will halt the proceedings on the basis that the tenant pay back £100 every month towards his arrears for 8 months, until he pays back the £800 in arrears. In this case, as long as the tenant complies with the order, the proceedings will be put on hold. However, if the tenant fails to comply with the terms of the agreement i.e fails to pay £100 on the second month of the agreement, then the Claimant would be entitled to restore the proceedings and request another hearing where the Court could consider making a final determination.
03.
Suspended Possession Order
A Suspended Possession order means that the court will order possession but suspend the Claimant’s ability to enforce the possession on the basis that the tenant agrees to comply with the terms of the suspension i.e. suspend the possession enforcement on the basis of terms agreed between the parties. For example, it could be agreed the court suspended the ability for the Claimant to commence possession enforcement on the basis that the tenant pay back £500 every month towards his arrears for 4 months, until he pays back the £2000 in arrears. In this case, as long as the tenant complies with the order, the Claimant will not be entitled to enforce possession against the Claimant. However, if the tenant fails to comply with the terms of the agreement i.e fails to pay £500 on the second month of the agreement, then the Claimant would be entitled to make an application to the court (request from the court) to grant the Claimant a ‘Warrant’ for Eviction which could be used to enforce possession against the tenant.
03.
Suspended Possession Order
A Suspended Possession order means that the court will order possession but suspend the Claimant’s ability to enforce the possession on the basis that the tenant agrees to comply with the terms of the suspension i.e. suspend the possession enforcement on the basis of terms agreed between the parties. For example, it could be agreed the court suspended the ability for the Claimant to commence possession enforcement on the basis that the tenant pay back £500 every month towards his arrears for 4 months, until he pays back the £2000 in arrears. In this case, as long as the tenant complies with the order, the Claimant will not be entitled to enforce possession against the Claimant. However, if the tenant fails to comply with the terms of the agreement i.e fails to pay £500 on the second month of the agreement, then the Claimant would be entitled to make an application to the court (request from the court) to grant the Claimant a ‘Warrant’ for Eviction which could be used to enforce possession against the tenant.
03.
Suspended Possession Order
A Suspended Possession order means that the court will order possession but suspend the Claimant’s ability to enforce the possession on the basis that the tenant agrees to comply with the terms of the suspension i.e. suspend the possession enforcement on the basis of terms agreed between the parties. For example, it could be agreed the court suspended the ability for the Claimant to commence possession enforcement on the basis that the tenant pay back £500 every month towards his arrears for 4 months, until he pays back the £2000 in arrears. In this case, as long as the tenant complies with the order, the Claimant will not be entitled to enforce possession against the Claimant. However, if the tenant fails to comply with the terms of the agreement i.e fails to pay £500 on the second month of the agreement, then the Claimant would be entitled to make an application to the court (request from the court) to grant the Claimant a ‘Warrant’ for Eviction which could be used to enforce possession against the tenant.
04.
Dismissal of the Possession Claim (Finding in favour of the tenant)
This dismissal of the possession Claim means that the Court does not agree its reasonable to order possession against the Defendant, and the Court does not consider it necessary to place the tenant under terms with the potential of returning back to the court aa sanction which is impending should he fail to comply with any terms. It is the final determination of the matter in favour of the Defendant. Should the Claimant wish to make another claim for possession they will to restart the entire possession proceedings from the start i.e. sending a notice for possession, then issue a claim for possession, and so forth.
04.
Dismissal of the Possession Claim (Finding in favour of the tenant)
This dismissal of the possession Claim means that the Court does not agree its reasonable to order possession against the Defendant, and the Court does not consider it necessary to place the tenant under terms with the potential of returning back to the court aa sanction which is impending should he fail to comply with any terms. It is the final determination of the matter in favour of the Defendant. Should the Claimant wish to make another claim for possession they will to restart the entire possession proceedings from the start i.e. sending a notice for possession, then issue a claim for possession, and so forth.
04.
Dismissal of the Possession Claim (Finding in favour of the tenant)
This dismissal of the possession Claim means that the Court does not agree its reasonable to order possession against the Defendant, and the Court does not consider it necessary to place the tenant under terms with the potential of returning back to the court aa sanction which is impending should he fail to comply with any terms. It is the final determination of the matter in favour of the Defendant. Should the Claimant wish to make another claim for possession they will to restart the entire possession proceedings from the start i.e. sending a notice for possession, then issue a claim for possession, and so forth.
05.
Granting Possession to the Claimant (The Local Authority ) – Finding in favour of the Landlord
This granting of possession to the Claimant (The Landlord) means that the Court finds that the Landlord has proved the Grounds for Possession under which they have made the Claim. Also, that the Court finds it reasonable to grant possession i.e. the court considers that there are no circumstances present which would make it unreasonable for the court to grant the Claimant Possession. The Granting of possession is a final determination, which is only subject to judicial appeal if certain requirements are met in order to achieve an appeal hearing. Alternatively, once the Landlord is granted the possession, the Tenant may have one final avenue, which is to suspend the warrant of eviction when and if the Landlord decides to apply tot he court for a warrant to evict you subsequent to being granted the possession order by the court.
05.
Granting Possession to the Claimant (The Local Authority ) – Finding in favour of the Landlord
This granting of possession to the Claimant (The Landlord) means that the Court finds that the Landlord has proved the Grounds for Possession under which they have made the Claim. Also, that the Court finds it reasonable to grant possession i.e. the court considers that there are no circumstances present which would make it unreasonable for the court to grant the Claimant Possession. The Granting of possession is a final determination, which is only subject to judicial appeal if certain requirements are met in order to achieve an appeal hearing. Alternatively, once the Landlord is granted the possession, the Tenant may have one final avenue, which is to suspend the warrant of eviction when and if the Landlord decides to apply tot he court for a warrant to evict you subsequent to being granted the possession order by the court.
05.
Granting Possession to the Claimant (The Local Authority ) – Finding in favour of the Landlord
This granting of possession to the Claimant (The Landlord) means that the Court finds that the Landlord has proved the Grounds for Possession under which they have made the Claim. Also, that the Court finds it reasonable to grant possession i.e. the court considers that there are no circumstances present which would make it unreasonable for the court to grant the Claimant Possession. The Granting of possession is a final determination, which is only subject to judicial appeal if certain requirements are met in order to achieve an appeal hearing. Alternatively, once the Landlord is granted the possession, the Tenant may have one final avenue, which is to suspend the warrant of eviction when and if the Landlord decides to apply tot he court for a warrant to evict you subsequent to being granted the possession order by the court.
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Achieve efficient support by using
our Step-by-Step Legal Guides and AI Assistant.
Achieve effective, efficient and actionable legal support with TenantShield.
Achieve efficient support by using
our Step-by-Step Legal Guides and AI Assistant.