The complete list of Section 8 grounds under the Housing Act 1988 as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2026. Mandatory grounds require the court to grant possession if established. Discretionary grounds allow the court to weigh the circumstances.
If a mandatory ground is established the court must grant possession — it has no discretion to refuse.
The tenant owes at least 3 months' rent both at the date the notice is served and at the date of the hearing. Increased from 2 months under the RRA 2026. If both thresholds are met the court must grant possession.
2 Weeks' NoticeThe tenant has been in rent arrears on at least 3 separate occasions within any rolling 3-year period — regardless of whether those arrears were subsequently cleared. Specifically designed to tackle persistent late payers who pay down before a hearing to avoid Ground 8.
4 Weeks' NoticeThe tenant has been convicted of a serious offence connected to anti-social behaviour, is subject to a closure order, or has received a noise abatement notice. Includes convictions involving illegal drug use or supply at or near the property.
1 Month's NoticeThe landlord intends to sell the property with vacant possession. Introduced under the RRA 2026 as a replacement route following the abolition of Section 21. The landlord must not re-let the property for 3 years after obtaining possession.
4 Months' NoticeThe landlord previously occupied the property as their only or principal home and now requires it back, or intends to use it as their only or principal home. Prior notice to the tenant that this ground might be used is generally required at the outset of the tenancy.
2 Months' NoticeThe property is subject to a mortgage which was granted before the tenancy began and the lender is now exercising its right to take possession. The tenant must have been given prior notice at the start of the tenancy that this ground might apply.
2 Months' NoticeThe tenant or all joint tenants have no right to rent in the United Kingdom under the Immigration Act 2014. A Home Office notice confirming this must have been served on the landlord before this ground can be relied upon.
2 Weeks' NoticeIf a discretionary ground is established the court may grant possession — it will consider whether it is reasonable to do so in all the circumstances.
Suitable alternative accommodation is available or will be available for the tenant when the possession order takes effect. The court will assess whether the alternative genuinely meets the tenant's reasonable housing needs.
2 Months' NoticeThe tenant is in arrears below the Ground 8 threshold, or arrears existed at service but may have been cleared by the hearing. The court has full discretion to grant or refuse possession based on the circumstances.
2 Weeks' NoticeEven where no arrears exist at the hearing, the tenant has persistently delayed paying rent when it fell due. Often relied upon alongside Ground 8A where arrears have since been cleared to defeat a hearing.
2 Weeks' NoticeAny obligation of the tenancy (other than payment of rent) has been broken or not performed. Examples include subletting without consent, keeping unauthorised pets, or making alterations without the landlord's permission.
2 Weeks' NoticeThe condition of the property or common parts has deteriorated due to waste, neglect or default by the tenant or a person living there whom the tenant has failed to remove.
2 Weeks' NoticeThe tenant or a person at the property has caused nuisance or annoyance to neighbours, or has been convicted of using the property for illegal or immoral purposes. Court proceedings can begin immediately upon service — no waiting period applies.
ImmediateFurniture provided under the tenancy has deteriorated due to ill-treatment by the tenant or a person at the property, where the tenant has not taken steps to remove the person responsible.
2 Weeks' NoticeThe landlord was induced to grant the tenancy by a false statement made knowingly or recklessly by the tenant or a person acting at their instigation. The statement must have been made prior to the tenancy being granted.
2 Weeks' NoticeNot sure which ground applies to your situation? We'll advise you on the correct ground and notice period for your specific case.
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