Section 8 Notice Template for Possession Proceedings
Serve legally compliant possession notices with confidence. This comprehensive Section 8 notice template for possession proceedings covers all 37 grounds for possession, including new grounds introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
- All 37 Possession Grounds Covered
- Updated Notice Periods Included
- Evidence Checklists for Each Ground
- 12-Month Protection Rules Explained
Complete Section 8 Notice Template with Evidence Guidance
Everything you need to serve a legally valid possession notice under the Housing Act 1988 as amended by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
- Multiple mandatory grounds and discretionary grounds
- Ground 1A: New sale ground (4 months notice, 12-month marketing ban)
- Ground 4A: New student HMO ground (4 months notice)
- Updated Ground 1: Landlord/family occupation (4 months notice)
- Updated Ground 8: Three months' rent arrears (4 weeks notice)
- Ground 7A: Severe ASB with immediate possession
- Correct notice periods for every ground (2 weeks to 4 months)
- Evidence requirements clearly listed for each ground
- Particulars sections with detailed guidance
- Rent arrears calculation templates included
- Anti-social behaviour documentation prompts
- 12-month protected period warnings (Grounds 1 and 1A)
- Landlord declaration and agent authorization sections
SECTION 8 NOTICE SEEKING POSSESSION OF A PROPERTY LET ON AN ASSURED TENANCY
Housing Act 1988 Section 8 (as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025)
TO: [Tenant Full Name(s)]
OF: [Full Property Address including postcode]
FROM: [Landlord Full Name]
ADDRESS: [Landlord Address for Service of Notices]
DATE: [Date of Service]
NOTICE SEEKING POSSESSION
I/We give you notice that I/We require possession of the property known as:
[Full Property Address including postcode]
which you hold as tenant under an Assured Periodic Tenancy.
GROUNDS FOR POSSESSION
I/We are seeking possession on the following ground(s) set out in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025):
[Select and complete the appropriate ground(s) below]
MANDATORY GROUNDS FOR POSSESSION
GROUND 1: OCCUPATION BY LANDLORD OR FAMILY
☐ Ground 1 – The landlord or their close family member wishes to move into the property as their only or principal home. This ground cannot be used for the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
Notice Period: 4 months
Particulars: [Provide full details including:
- Who will occupy the property (landlord or which family member)
- Date tenancy commenced
- Confirmation that 12 months have elapsed since tenancy start
- Reasons for requiring occupation]
GROUND 1A: SALE OF DWELLING HOUSE
☐ Ground 1A – The landlord wishes to sell the property. This ground cannot be used for the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
Notice Period: 4 months
Particulars: [Provide full details including:
- Date tenancy commenced
- Confirmation that 12 months have elapsed since tenancy start
- Evidence of intention to sell (estate agent instructions, marketing details, etc.)
- Reasons for sale]
GROUND 1B: SALE OF DWELLING HOUSE UNDER RENT-TO-BUY
☐ Ground 1B – The landlord is a private registered provider of social housing and the tenancy is under a rent-to-buy agreement.
Notice Period: 4 months
Particulars: [Provide full details of the rent-to-buy agreement and circumstances requiring sale]
Invalid Notices Cost Landlords Months in Delays and Legal Fees
Courts reject possession claims daily because landlords use incorrect grounds, wrong notice periods, or insufficient evidence. One procedural error can cost you 6+ months in delays.
Using Wrong Grounds
Selecting Ground 8 when arrears don't meet the 3-month threshold, or attempting Ground 1A during the first 12 months of tenancy. Courts will throw out your claim immediately.
Incorrect Notice Periods
Serving 2 months notice for Ground 1A when 4 months is required, or not giving any notice for Ground 8 arrears cases. Your notice becomes invalid before you even reach court.
Missing Evidence Requirements
Failing to provide detailed rent statements for Ground 8, no witness statements for Ground 14 ASB, or no proof of sale intention for Ground 1A.
Breaching 12-Month Protection
Using Grounds 1 or 1A within the first 12 months of a new tenancy. This is specifically prohibited and makes your notice void.
Violating Marketing Ban
Re-letting or marketing property within 12 months of using Ground 1A. This is a criminal offence with substantial penalties.
The Cost of Invalid Section 8 Notices
An invalid Section 8 notice delays possession by 6-9 months and costs £3,000-£8,000 in lost rent, plus legal fees up to £3,000. One mistake can cost you six months of income.
Your 3 Steps Route to Serving a Valid Section 8 Notice
Identify Your Ground & Notice Period
Gather Evidence & Complete the Template
Serve Notice & Keep Proof
Avoid Months of Delays with a Legally Compliant Section 8 Notice
Download the complete Section 8 template covering all 37 possession grounds, updated notice periods, and evidence requirements under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions
Yes. You can cite multiple grounds in a single notice if several apply to your situation. For example, you might cite Ground 10 (any arrears), Ground 11 (persistent delay), and Ground 12 (breach of tenancy) together. This strengthens your case because if the court doesn't accept one ground, they may accept another. Always cite all applicable grounds rather than selecting just one.
Your notice becomes invalid and you must start again. If you serve 2 months notice for a ground requiring 4 months, the court will reject your claim. You'll need to serve a new notice with the correct period and wait again. This commonly adds 3-6 months to possession timelines and allows further rent arrears to accrue. Always verify notice periods before serving.
No. Grounds 1 and 1A cannot be used during the first 12 months of a new tenancy. This is a protected period introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. If you serve notice on these grounds within 12 months, your notice is void. You must wait until 12 months have elapsed from the tenancy start date. Other grounds (rent arrears, ASB, breach) can still be used during this period.
You receive free updates whenever regulations change. We update the template and notify you at no additional cost, ensuring continued compliance.
Mandatory grounds mean the court MUST grant possession if you prove the ground exists. For example, if you prove 3 months' rent arrears under Ground 8, the judge has no choice but to order possession. Discretionary grounds mean the court CAN grant possession if proven AND if the court considers it reasonable. The judge weighs tenant circumstances, length of tenancy, and breach severity before deciding. Always use mandatory grounds where available.