A Section 8 notice template for landlords seeking possession of an assured periodic tenancy. Covers all 37 statutory grounds under the Housing Act 1988 as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
What this document is
A Section 8 notice template for landlords seeking possession of an assured periodic tenancy under the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025). The template covers all 37 statutory grounds in the revised Schedule 2, with guidance on which ground applies and the correct notice period for each.
When to use Section 8
From 1 May 2026, Section 8 is the only route to possession of an assured periodic tenancy. Section 21 has been abolished. Every Section 8 notice must specify one or more of the statutory grounds and the correct notice period for those grounds.
The most commonly used grounds are:
- Ground 8 — mandatory rent arrears (three months or more, or thirteen weeks). Four weeks' notice.
- Grounds 10 and 11 — discretionary rent arrears grounds. Four weeks' notice.
- Ground 12 — breach of tenancy obligation. Four weeks' notice.
- Ground 14 — anti-social behaviour. Notice can take effect immediately for the most serious cases.
What this template includes
- The Section 8 notice itself, in the prescribed form.
- Detailed guidance on selecting the correct grounds.
- A schedule of all 37 grounds with notice periods.
- Plain-English drafting notes for supporting evidence.
What you still need to do
A Section 8 notice on its own does not recover possession. After serving it, you must:
- Issue a possession claim at court (Form N5).
- Prepare evidence — rent ledgers for arrears, incident logs for anti-social behaviour, documentary proof of intent to occupy or sell.
- Attend a hearing — the accelerated procedure that supported Section 21 has been retired.
- Obtain a possession order, then (if the tenant does not leave) a warrant of possession.