Section 8 Notice Template (Landlord to Tenant)
A Section 8 notice for landlords seeking possession on a specific ground - rent arrears, selling the property, moving in, or another breach - using the current grounds and notice periods.
Use this template when you are a landlord seeking possession of a property on a specific legal ground under the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025). Since Section 21 'no fault' notices were abolished from 1 May 2026, Section 8 is now the only route to possession - whether the reason is rent arrears, wanting to sell, wanting to move in yourself or a family member, or another breach of the tenancy. You must state the specific ground(s) you are relying on and give the correct notice period for each.
Is Section 8 now the only way to get possession of a rented property in England?
Yes. Since Section 21 'no fault' notices were abolished from 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, Section 8 is the only route to possession, and landlords must state a specific ground from Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
How much notice do I need to give for rent arrears?
For the rent arrears grounds (8, 10 and 11), the minimum notice period is now at least 4 weeks. The mandatory Ground 8 threshold has also increased to 3 months' unpaid rent (13 weeks if paid weekly or fortnightly) - always check the current Form 3 guidance for the exact figures before serving notice.
How do I get possession if the tenant hasn't done anything wrong?
Use Ground 1 (you intend to sell the property) or Ground 1A (you or a close family member intend to move in as their only or main home) - the closest replacements for the old Section 21 'no fault' route. Both currently require at least 4 months' notice and generally cannot be used within the first 12 months of a tenancy.