Possession Order

A court order requiring a person to give up possession of land or property. Possession orders are commonly sought by landlords against tenants, mortgage lenders against borrowers, and local authorities against trespassers or persons occupying beyond their licence.

In practice

Once obtained, if the occupier does not leave by the date specified, the order can be enforced by a County Court bailiff (warrant of possession) or, if transferred to the High Court, by an HCEO (writ of possession). High Court enforcement tends to be faster and is commonly used for commercial premises and protest encampments.