Form N5, used to claim possession of a property, now points private landlords in England to new grounds under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, while some landlords keep the previous rules.
Key facts
- Who: Landlords claiming possession of a property they own, and tenants who may face such a claim
- From: 1 May 2026 for the new grounds
- Source: Make a claim for possession of a property: Form N5
Form N5 is used, together with a "particulars of claim" form, to gain possession of a property the claimant owns. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 may affect a claim.
As of 1 May 2026, a private landlord of a property in England must use new and amended grounds for possession. Some of these grounds are listed in the form. Landlords are directed to the guidance "Grounds for possession: guidance for landlords and letting agents".
Some landlords must continue to use grounds for possession under the same rules as before 1 May 2026. These are:
- a private registered landlord claiming possession of a social housing assured tenancy in England;
- a private or social landlord of a property in Wales, who must make sure they use the form for a property located in Wales.
Form N5 must be used with a particulars of claim form. There are different forms for different types of claim:
- Form N119: details of a claim for possession of a rented residential property
- Form N120: particulars of claim for mortgaged residential premises
- Form N121: particulars of claim for trespassers
Where possession is sought only because of unpaid rent or mortgage, and for no other reason, the online service can be used instead.
The forms are sent to the county court nearest to the property. Court and tribunal fees apply, and information is available on whether help with fees can be obtained.
What this means for landlords and tenants
Landlords should check which rules apply to their property and tenancy before starting a claim. That includes whether the property is in England or Wales and whether the landlord is private or social. The official guidance for landlords and letting agents covers the grounds for possession in more detail.
Tenants who receive a possession claim may find that the grounds relied on and the forms used depend on where the property is and the type of landlord.