Free tool · Possession
Section 8 notice dates
Since 1 May 2026, to end an assured tenancy in England you need a legal reason, called a ground, on a Section 8 notice (Form 3A), and each ground has its own notice period. Pick your grounds and dates to see the earliest date you can put in the notice.
Notice periods for the common grounds
| Ground | What it is for | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You or a family member will make it your main home (mandatory) | 4 months, and the date in the notice must be after the first 12 months of the tenancy |
| 1A | You intend to sell (mandatory) | 4 months, and the date in the notice must be after the first 12 months of the tenancy |
| 6 | Major redevelopment you cannot do with the tenant there; conditions apply (mandatory) | 4 months |
| 8 | Rent arrears of at least 3 months, or 13 weeks if rent is weekly or fortnightly, both when you serve the notice and at the hearing (mandatory) | 4 weeks |
| 10 and 11 | Some rent unpaid, or rent persistently paid late (discretionary) | 4 weeks |
| 12, 13, 15 and 17 | Breach of the tenancy, the home or furniture damaged, or a false statement (discretionary) | 2 weeks |
| 14 | Anti-social behaviour (discretionary) | Proceedings can begin from the day you serve the notice |
Mandatory means the court must make an order if you prove the ground. For a discretionary ground the court decides whether it is reasonable. Other grounds have their own periods, set out in section 8 of the Housing Act 1988.
When your tenant gives notice
A tenant ends an assured periodic tenancy by giving at least 2 months' notice in writing (a letter, email or text), given on the day rent is due or the day before. You can both agree a shorter period in writing.
Before you serve
- Use Form 3A from GOV.UK's assured tenancy forms page, with the legal wording for each ground.
- Court proceedings must start within 12 months of the date you serve the notice.
- If the tenant has not left by the date in the notice, you apply to the court for a possession order. You cannot remove a tenant yourself.
Sources, read on 22 October 2026: Housing Act 1988, section 8 (notice periods table) and Schedule 2 (Grounds 1, 1A and 8, and the meaning of the relevant date), on legislation.gov.uk; GOV.UK, Repossessing your privately rented property after 1 May 2026 and Renters' Rights Act overview for tenants. England only. Practical information, not legal advice.
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