Form N5 UK: Possession Claim Form Guide (2026)

What this document is

Form N5 is the county court claim form used to start a possession claim for land or residential property in England and Wales. Landlords most often use it when seeking possession after serving a Section 8 notice (for example, for rent arrears or another breach of tenancy) or alongside a Section 21 notice where the accelerated procedure is not being used.

The form asks you to set out who the parties are, the address of the property, the grounds on which you are claiming possession, and whether you are also seeking money (such as unpaid rent) or costs. Form N5 is usually filed together with supporting paperwork.

For rent arrears claims, that typically means Form N119 (particulars of claim for possession). If you are using the accelerated procedure following a Section 21 notice on an assured shorthold tenancy, a different form, N5B, is used instead. Choosing the correct route at the outset saves time and reduces the risk of the court refusing to issue the claim.

How to use this document

1. Work out which procedure applies. Before filling in anything, decide whether you are bringing a standard possession claim (Form N5) or an accelerated possession claim (Form N5B). Accelerated claims only apply to assured shorthold tenancies where a valid Section 21 notice has been served and you are not claiming rent arrears. If you want to claim arrears as well, you will usually need the standard route with Form N5 and Form N119.
2. Complete Form N5 accurately. Fill in the claimant and defendant details, the property address, the type of tenancy, the date it began, and the grounds you are relying on. Attach the particulars of claim and any supporting evidence such as the tenancy agreement, the notice served on the tenant, and a rent schedule if arrears are involved. Double-check dates, because small errors can invalidate the claim.
3. Issue the claim at the correct court. Possession claims for residential property must normally be issued in the county court hearing centre that covers the area where the property is located. You can file by post or through the relevant online service where eligible. A court fee applies when the claim is issued, and the amount depends on what you are claiming. Check gov.uk for the current fee before submitting.
4. Serve the claim on the tenant. The court will usually serve the claim form and documents on the defendant, but you should confirm this when issuing, because rules vary and in some cases the claimant is responsible. Service must comply with the Civil Procedure Rules. If service goes wrong, the hearing can be delayed or the claim struck out, so keep copies of everything and note delivery dates.
5. Prepare for the hearing. Once the claim is issued, the court will set a hearing date, typically within a few weeks. Bring the original tenancy agreement, notices served, proof of service, an updated rent schedule if relevant, and anything else referred to in your particulars of claim. The judge will decide whether to grant an outright possession order, a suspended order, or to adjourn the matter.

Common questions