Complete reference guide to every Section 8 possession ground updated for 2026. Mandatory vs discretionary, notice periods, what changed under the Renters Rights Act and when to use each ground.
Get Section 8 notice 2026 — £12The landlord or a close family member requires the property as their only or main home. PRIOR NOTICE required in Written Statement of Terms before this ground can be used. Cannot be used within first 12 months of tenancy.
NEW GROUND introduced by the Renters Rights Act 2025. Landlord intends to sell the property with vacant possession. PRIOR NOTICE required in Written Statement. Cannot be used within first 12 months of tenancy.
The landlord's mortgage lender is entitled to seek possession. PRIOR NOTICE required in Written Statement of Terms.
Property let to students by specified educational institution. PRIOR NOTICE required. Only applies to specified educational establishments.
Property required for occupation by a minister of religion.
Landlord intends to demolish or reconstruct the property and cannot do so with the tenant in occupation.
Tenancy has passed to someone on death of the tenant who is not a successor under the Act.
Tenant convicted of a serious offence at or in the locality of the property. Also covers conviction for using the property for immoral or illegal purposes.
Tenant or occupier does not have the right to rent in the UK under immigration rules. Usually enforced by the Home Office.
CHANGED by RRA 2025: Now requires at least 3 months rent arrears (previously 2 months) at BOTH the date of notice AND the date of hearing. If the tenant reduces arrears below 3 months before the hearing, Ground 8 fails — always also plead Grounds 10 and 11.
Some rent was unpaid at the date the notice was served and remains unpaid at the date of the hearing. No minimum arrears threshold — useful as a fallback when Ground 8 arrears may reduce before hearing.
Tenant has persistently delayed paying rent, even if no arrears exist at the date of the hearing. The court looks at the pattern of late payments over the tenancy.
Tenant has broken any obligation under the tenancy other than the obligation to pay rent. Common examples: unauthorised subletting, keeping pets without consent, causing damage.
Condition of the property has deteriorated due to acts of waste or neglect by the tenant or a person living with them.
Tenant, or a person living at or visiting the property, has been guilty of conduct causing nuisance or annoyance to neighbours or persons in the locality. Fastest possession ground — no minimum notice period. Formal written warning before serving is strong evidence.
Property was occupied by a cohabiting couple, one of whom has left due to violence or threats of violence. The remaining occupant was the perpetrator.
Tenant convicted of an indictable offence committed during a riot in the locality of the property or elsewhere.
Tenant or person acting at their instigation induced the landlord to grant the tenancy by making a false statement knowingly or recklessly.
Updated for all 2026 grounds. All 15 grounds with mandatory/discretionary labels, notice periods and rent arrears schedule. £12, instant download.
Get Section 8 notice 2026 — £12Not legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor before serving a Section 8 notice. Last updated July 2026.