Form N5 England — Claim form for possession of property

What is N5 Possession claim (England)?

Form N5 starts a claim in the County Court for possession of land or buildings in England. Landlords use it to recover a rented home (alongside particulars of claim such as form N119), lenders use it for mortgage arrears, and owners use it against trespassers. The May 2026 edition reflects the Renters' Rights Act, with grounds such as the landlord or a family member wanting to move in, or the landlord wanting to sell.

The form names the court, up to three claimants and three defendants with their addresses, the property and whether it includes residential property, and the grounds for possession. It asks about anti-social behaviour, demotion of tenancy, the right to buy and the Human Rights Act, then the court fee and how you'll pay it, a statement of truth and an address for documents.

FileIt asks each question once, fills the defendant's name and address on the front page from the defendants you list, puts postcodes, the Help with Fees reference and the fee account number into their cell boxes, and adds up the total amount. It prints everything into HMCTS's official N5 England PDF. You attach the particulars, sign, and issue the claim yourself.

Who needs to fill out N5 Possession claim (England)?

• Private and social landlords seeking possession of a rented property in England.
• Mortgage lenders claiming possession for arrears or another breach of the mortgage.
• Owners of land or buildings occupied by trespassers.
• Solicitors and letting agents' legal teams acting for a claimant.

When to use N5 Possession claim (England)

• When the notice period has ended or the grounds for possession have arisen and you're ready to go to court.
• For property in England only. Property in Wales uses N5 Wales.
• Consider the online service at www.possessionclaim.gov.uk for rent or mortgage arrears claims, which the form mentions.

What you need before you start

• The court for the area where the property is.
• The names and addresses of every claimant and defendant.
• The full address of the property.
• The grounds you rely on, and the particulars of claim (for example N119) ready to attach.
• The court fee from the fees guide EX50, or a Help with Fees reference, and any legal costs.
• Who will sign the statement of truth.

What’s on N5 Possession claim (England)

The 2026 edition has 8 pages. FileIt asks for it in 11 parts, and it is signed by Claimant:

1. Court and claimClaimant
2. 1. First claimantClaimant
3. Second claimant (if applicable)Claimant
4. Third claimant (if applicable)Claimant
5. 2. First defendantClaimant
6. Second defendant (if applicable)Claimant
7. Third Defendant (if applicable)Claimant
8. 3. Grounds for possessionClaimant
9. Court fee: how you will payClaimant
10. Statement of truthClaimant
11. Address for documents (if different)Claimant

How to fill out N5 Possession claim (England), step by step

1 Court and property

Name the court, describe the property you're claiming, say whether it includes residential property, and tick if particulars are attached and if you're also claiming money.

2 Claimants (1)

Up to three claimants with their names and addresses. For a company, give its full name as the last name.

3 Defendants (2)

Up to three defendants, usually the tenants or occupiers. FileIt prints their names and the first defendant's address on page 1 too.

4 Grounds (3)

Tick every ground the claim is made on, describe any other ground, and answer the questions on anti-social behaviour, unlawful use, demotion, the right to buy and the Human Rights Act.

5 Court fee

Enter the fee and choose how you'll pay: Help with Fees, card by phone or email, cheque or postal order, in person, or a fee account. FileIt ticks the matching boxes.

6 Statement of truth and address

Choose the right statement, tick who signs, add the date and full name, and give a different address for documents if needed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using N5 England for a property in Wales.
• Forgetting to attach the particulars of claim, such as N119 for a rented home.
• Leaving a defendant out: everyone in occupation you want possession against should be named.
• Ticking 'other' as a ground without specifying it.
• Mismatching the statement of truth with who signs it.
• Entering an out-of-date court fee; check EX50 first.

After you fill it out

Sign the statement of truth, attach the particulars of claim and any documents they mention, and issue the claim at the court with the fee. FileIt doesn't file it.

The court sets the hearing date, time and place and serves the claim. The defendant is told to get advice and to fill in the defence form.

Keep the claim, the particulars and the tenancy papers together in the property's FileIt folder.

N5 Possession claim (England): frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Blank form (PDF), published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69e878ba20a498c16734ada4/N5_ENGLAND_0526_save.pdf
• Official instructions and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/make-a-claim-for-possession-of-a-property-form-n5
• Edition shown on this page: N5 ENGLAND (05.26) (checked 2026-10-19).

FileIt is not affiliated with or endorsed by HM Courts & Tribunals Service or any government. This page explains the form in general terms and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always read the official instructions, and check that you are using the edition the recipient accepts. Page last reviewed 2026-10-19.

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