--- title: "How to File a Possession Claim Online (PCOL): Guide for Landlords in England" description: "How to file a rent arrears possession claim online (PCOL) in England: eligibility, documents, Form 3A notice, fees, the hearing and common mistakes to avoid." image: https://helpland.co.uk/hubfs/how%20to%20file%20a%20possesion%20claim.png --- [Skip to content](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/possession-claim-online-guide#main-content) [![Helpland Logo](https://helpland.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Refreshed%20Brand/Logo/Helpland_Logo_600x200_BoldText_Trans.png?width=600&height=200&name=Helpland_Logo_600x200_BoldText_Trans.png "Helpland Logo")](https://helpland.co.uk) - [Evictions for Landlords](https://helpland.co.uk/property-tenant-evictions) - Housing Act Tenancies - [Section 8 Notice](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/section-8) - [Section 8 Court Proceedings](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/section-8-court-proceedings) - [Notice of Intent](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/notice-of-intent) - [14-Day Abandonment Notice](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/14-day-abandonment-notice) - [High Court Sheriff](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/high-court-sheriff) - [County Court Bailiff](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/county-court-bailiff) - [Commercial Evictions](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/commercial-evictions) - [Traveller Evictions](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/traveller-evictions) - Non-House Act Tenancies - [Notice To Quit](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/notice-to-quit) - [Notice To Quit Court Proceedings](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/notice-to-quit-court-proceedings) - [Letter Of Forfeiture](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/letter-of-forfeiture) - [Letter Of Forfeiture Proceedings](https://helpland.co.uk/tenant-eviction/letter-of-forfeiture-proceedings) - [About Us](https://helpland.co.uk/about) - [Blog](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger) - [Contact Us](https://helpland.co.uk/contact) - [020 3835 4446](tel:+442038354446) - [Rent Arrears](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/tag/rent-arrears) # How to File a Possession Claim Online (PCOL): Guide for Landlords in England ![Laptop and court forms on a desk, illustrating how to file a possession claim online](https://helpland.co.uk/hubfs/how%20to%20file%20a%20possesion%20claim.png) - June 15, 2026 ![Lee Daniels](https://helpland.co.uk/hubfs/Team%20Images/Lee%20Danials%20v2%20200x200.png) [Lee Daniels](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/author/lee-daniels) How to File a Possession Claim Online (PCOL): Guide for Landlords in England 26:34 **General guidance only, not legal advice.** This article applies to private landlords in England. Wales uses a separate system and paper forms. Fees and procedures change, so check GOV.UK and take advice on your circumstances. > **Updated November 2026.** Revised for the Renters' Rights Act 2025: Section 21 is abolished, Ground 8 needs three months' arrears, and arrears notices need four weeks' notice on Form 3A. ## Key Insights - **PCOL is for rent arrears claims in England:** other grounds use paper forms N5 and N119. - **Accuracy is everything:** wrong names, arrears figures or dates are leading causes of adjournments. - **Check the fee before you file:** GOV.UK lists £415 for a paper possession claim. Check the current PCOL fee in the EX50 fees list. - **Prepare everything first:** claims are hard to amend once issued. ## What is Possession Claim Online? PCOL is HM Courts and Tribunals Service's online system for issuing residential possession claims. GOV.UK confirms landlords can use it if they are evicting a tenant only for rent arrears. It lets you issue the claim, track progress and later request a warrant online. **You can't use PCOL if** the property is in Wales, the claim relies on any ground other than rent arrears (for example anti-social behaviour, breach, or Grounds 1 or 1A), or you're applying for help with fees. In those cases, use paper forms N5 and N119. ## Documents you need | Document | Why it matters | | --- | --- | | Signed tenancy agreement | Confirms rent, due dates and the tenant's full legal name | | Rent schedule | Shows rent due, received and outstanding (up to two years of history) | | Bank evidence | Supports the schedule | | Section 8 notice (Form 3A) and proof of service | The claim depends on a valid notice | | Deposit protection evidence | An unprotected deposit bars possession on arrears grounds until it is put right | **Pre-filing checks:** - Has the four-week notice period ended? - For Ground 8, are arrears still at least three months' rent (13 weeks if weekly or fortnightly)? - Does the tenant's name match the tenancy agreement exactly? - Does the arrears figure match your rent schedule? - Is the tenant in a Breathing Space debt moratorium? If so, court action is paused. ## Step by step 1. **Log in or register** at [possessionclaim.gov.uk](https://www.possessionclaim.gov.uk/pcol). 2. **Enter claimant details:** the landlord, or the correct legal entity. 3. **Enter tenant details** exactly as on the tenancy, and the property address. 4. **Enter tenancy details:** start date, rent and frequency. Private tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies. 5. **Enter the grounds and arrears:** usually Grounds 8, 10 and 11, with the arrears total checked against your schedule. 6. **Confirm service of the Section 8 notice** and that the notice period has ended. 7. **Sign the statement of truth.** A false statement is contempt of court. 8. **Pay the fee and submit.** The court serves the claim on the tenant. 9. **Track progress online.** The court will set a hearing date. ## Court fees | Fee | Amount | | --- | --- | | Possession claim (paper) | £415. Check EX50 for the current PCOL fee | | Warrant of possession | £148 | | High Court transfer | £123, plus £80 to seal the writ | Check the current [EX50 fees list](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fees-in-the-civil-and-family-courts-main-fees-ex50) before filing. ## After filing - The tenant has 14 days to file a defence. - Send your case documents to the court at least 14 days before the hearing. - At the hearing, if Ground 8 is proved, the judge must order possession, usually within 14 days (up to six weeks for exceptional hardship). On discretionary grounds, the judge may suspend the order on terms. - If the tenant doesn't leave, apply for a warrant of possession (£148), which you can do online if you used PCOL. ## Common errors - Using PCOL for a non-arrears ground or a property in Wales - Serving the notice on Form 3 instead of Form 3A, or giving two weeks' notice instead of four - A tenant name that doesn't match the tenancy - An inaccurate arrears figure - Relying on Ground 8 alone, when a part-payment before the hearing can defeat it - Filing during a Breathing Space moratorium ## DIY or specialist? Straightforward, undisputed arrears claims can be filed yourself. Specialist support helps where arrears are disputed, there's a disrepair counterclaim, the tenancy is unusual or the claim is defended. Helpland provides fixed-fee notices, claims and court representation, with a dedicated account holder. [Get a free case assessment](https://helpland.co.uk/contact). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use PCOL for grounds other than rent arrears? No. Use paper forms N5 and N119. ### Can I use PCOL for Section 21? No. Section 21 was abolished in England on 1 May 2026. ### How long until a hearing? It depends on the court, commonly several weeks after issue. ### Can I file it myself? Yes, but errors can cause adjournments, so many landlords use a specialist. ## Official resources - [GOV.UK: Repossessing your privately rented property after 1 May 2026](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/repossessing-your-privately-rented-property-after-1-may-2026) - [Possession Claim Online](https://www.possessionclaim.gov.uk/pcol) - [Form 3A](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/assured-tenancy-forms) --- *This article provides general guidance for landlords in England and does not constitute legal advice. Last reviewed: November 2026.* Blog Post ## Related Articles Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. [![Landlord posting a Section 8 Notice though a letter box ](https://helpland.co.uk/hubfs/Rock-Solid%20Section%208%20Cases-%20Winning%20Rent-Arrears%20Possession%20Under%20the%20New%20Rules.webp)](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/rock-solid-section-8-cases) ### [Rock-Solid Section 8 Cases: Winning Rent Arrears Possession Under the 2026 Rules](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/rock-solid-section-8-cases) August 21, 2025 General guidance only, not legal advice. This article applies to private landlords in England. Check current government... [Read more](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/rock-solid-section-8-cases) [![Landlord working on rent schedule](https://helpland.co.uk/hubfs/Tenant%20not%20paying%20rent%3F%207%20legal%20steps.png)](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/tenant-not-paying-rent-7-legal-steps) [Tenant](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/tag/tenant) ### [Tenant Not Paying Rent? 7 Legal Steps for Landlords (2026)](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/tenant-not-paying-rent-7-legal-steps) April 22, 2026 General guidance only, not legal advice. This article applies to private landlords in England. Wales, Scotland and... [Read more](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/tenant-not-paying-rent-7-legal-steps) [![Eviction Notice on doorstep of UK house](https://helpland.co.uk/hubfs/Landlord%20Eviction%20UK-%20Complete%20Legal%20Guide%20(England%20%26%20Wales).png)](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/landlord-eviction-costs-uk-fees-timeline) [Evictions](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/tag/evictions) ### [Landlord Eviction UK: Complete Legal Guide for England (2026)](https://helpland.co.uk/the-landlords-ledger/landlord-eviction-costs-uk-fees-timeline) March 11, 2026 General guidance only, not legal advice. This guide covers private landlords in England. Wales has a separate system... 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You submit the claim (with your particulars of claim and arrears figure), and the case then proceeds to a court hearing. If the judge is satisfied, the possession order is granted as a court order - often a standard possession order (sometimes referred to as a standard possession claim route). If you are using a different basis for possession of a property (for example, Section 21), the correct route may be the accelerated possession procedure instead - and that is not issued through PCOL in the same way." }, "name" : "How to apply for a possession order online" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "You can apply for a possession order online using Possession Claim Online (PCOL) at possessionclaim.gov.uk/pcol - but only if the property is in England and the ground for possession is rent arrears. Register or log in, enter your claim details, confirm service of your Section 8 notice, complete the statement of truth, and pay the £404 court issue fee. The court then serves the claim on the tenant and sets a hearing date. Properties in Wales require paper forms submitted to the local county court." }, "name" : "How do I apply for a possession order online?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The key documents are: a signed tenancy agreement, a rent schedule showing rent due, received, and outstanding, bank statements confirming missed payments, a copy of the correctly served Section 8 notice with proof of service, and the tenant's full legal name and address. Having these ready before you log in to PCOL significantly reduces the risk of errors. Your arrears figure must be accurate and consistent with your rent schedule. Documents needed for possession claim (rent arrears / Section 8) If you are preparing a rent arrears claim for possession of property, the documents needed for possession claim usually include: Tenancy agreement (confirm the terms of the lease and the start of the tenancy) A clear rent statement showing months of rent due and months of unpaid rent Proof the Section 8 notice was served (e.g., proof of posting and, where used, a certificate of service) Supporting bank evidence and any correspondence about repayment of arrears Any compliance documents relevant to your case (for example, a current gas safety certificate if your position depends on demonstrating compliance) What are the court fees for a possession order? The PCOL court issue fee is currently £404 (from April 2025). If the tenant does not vacate after the possession order is granted, you will also need to pay £148 for a warrant of possession to instruct county court bailiffs. These fees are set by HMCTS and may change - always verify the latest figures at gov.uk before filing. Court fees for possession order The phrase court fees for possession order usually includes (1) the PCOL issue fee when you submit, and (2) any enforcement fee if you later need a warrant of possession. If enforcement is required, you may also hear about using a high court enforcement officer (where transfer/enforcement is permitted), which can add further costs and procedural steps." }, "name" : "What documents do I need for a possession claim?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "From claim issue, a hearing is typically listed 4–10 weeks later, though this depends on court capacity and workload in your area. Court backlogs remain a significant factor: MoJ data for Q2 2025 showed the average time from landlord possession claim to actual repossession running at approximately 28 weeks. Straightforward, uncontested cases generally resolve faster; defended claims take considerably longer." }, "name" : "How long after filing a possession claim will I get a hearing?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "If you are wondering how long does a possession claim take, the honest answer is that it varies by court and whether the tenant files a response. In a straightforward standard possession claim, you may get a court hearing within weeks, but defended cases can take longer. If the tenant files a defence form, the case can be adjourned and extended. Even after a standard possession order is granted, the eviction date depends on whether the tenant leaves and whether you need to apply for a warrant (and how long bailiff appointments take)." }, "name" : "How long does a possession claim take?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes - there is no legal requirement to instruct a solicitor or specialist to file a PCOL claim. However, landlords who are unrepresented have a higher rate of adjournments due to errors in paperwork, according to NRLA court observations. If your case is straightforward and well-documented, self-filing is possible. If the tenant files a defence, the arrears are disputed, or there are any complicating factors, specialist support typically reduces risk and overall time to possession." }, "name" : "Can I do a possession claim myself?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes - in most cases, you file the claim because you do not yet have a possession order. PCOL is part of the issue of proceedings stage: you submit the claim, then the court lists a court hearing, and the judge decides whether to make a court order for possession of their property. If you already had a possession order, you would usually be looking at enforcement (for example, applying for a warrant). If you are trying to avoid court altogether, alternative dispute resolution (like negotiation or a structured repayment plan) can sometimes resolve matters sooner - but it depends on the tenant’s cooperation and the level of arrears." }, "name" : "Can I file a possession claim online if I don’t have a possession order yet?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes - but it is important to be clear about the route. If you are not eligible for the PCOL route, you may need to use the paper process using different forms such as N5 (Claim form for possession) and N119 (Particulars of claim for possession). Guidance is available on GOV.UK and the official forms notes. Practically, N5/N119 are where you set out the particulars of claim, your arrears (unpaid rent), and the basis for seeking possession of property. If you are unsure, professional review is often worthwhile because small errors can lead to delays or adjournments at the court hearing." }, "name" : "Is guidance available for filling out forms N5 and N119 for online possession claims?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "No. PCOL can only be used where the ground for possession is rent arrears. If you are pursuing possession via a Section 21 notice (no-fault eviction), you must use the paper court route - Form N5 submitted to your local county court. Using PCOL for a Section 21 claim will result in the claim being rejected. Seek professional advice on the correct route for your notice type before filing." }, "name" : "Can I use Possession Claim Online for a Section 21 notice?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "If the tenant files a defence, the case will typically be listed for a more detailed hearing where both sides present their positions. Common defences include allegations of disrepair, disputed arrears figures, or claimed procedural errors in the notice. A defended claim usually takes significantly longer to resolve and increases the risk of the claim being adjourned or dismissed if your paperwork is not watertight. If a defence is filed, seek professional advice promptly." }, "name" : "What happens if the tenant defends my possession claim?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "No. PCOL is available for properties in England only. Landlords with properties in Wales must complete the appropriate paper forms (including Form N5B Wales) and submit them to the county court that handles housing cases for their area. The substantive possession process is similar, but the court route is different. Always check current Welsh government guidance for the correct forms and procedure." }, "name" : "Can I use PCOL for a property in Wales?" } ] } ```