Evicting a tenant under a Section 8 Notice can be stressful, urgent, and complex.
Our specialist eviction solicitors handle everything ensuring the notice is valid, served correctly, and supported with strong evidence so your possession case succeeds the first time.
✅ We support Landlords, Letting Agents & Housing Providers
✅ Fixed-fee drafting & service — notices issued within 24 hours
✅ Stop rent loss — act now before arrears increase
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Evicting a tenant under a Section 8 Notice can be stressful, urgent, and complex.
Our specialist eviction solicitors handle everything ensuring the notice is valid, served correctly, and supported with strong evidence so your possession case succeeds the first time.
✅ We support Landlords, Letting Agents & Housing Providers
✅ Fixed-fee drafting & service — notices issued within 24 hours
✅ Stop rent loss — act now before arrears increase
4.8/5
Our eviction solicitors walk you through the entire eviction processfrom serving notices to securing possession so you know exactly what to expect.
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A Section 8 Notice is a formal legal notice used by landlords in England and Wales to evict a tenant who has breached the tenancy agreement. It is commonly used for serious rent arrears, but also covers issues such as antisocial behaviour, property damage, or unauthorised subletting. Unlike Section 21, Section 8 requires the landlord to prove a legal ground for possession. The notice must be completed on the correct Form 3, clearly state which grounds under Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 apply, and give the legally required notice period before court proceedings can begin.
Section 8 is often faster where rent arrears exist, because certain arrears grounds are mandatory meaning the court must grant possession if the evidence is correct. However, tenants can defend Section 8 claims, so strong documentation (rent ledger, photos, witness evidence, and compliance checks) is essential.
A properly served Section 8 Notice protects your position, reduces delay, and prevents costly restarts.
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I have found SLS to be utterly professional and they have resolved my issue far sooner than it would have been had I continued trying to contact the agent and the Council myself.
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I would definitely recommend SLS Solicitors Ltd for any disrepair claims against a local authority landlord – they are an upfront no win no fee firm and when they take your case on they will give it everything they have.
We explain the simple legal steps in 2025 you need to take for eviction from inception to conclusion, giving you peace of mind on your legal journey. Please note, the court may adjourn the hearing on the day to consider any potential defences or complex issues.
We guide you through the full eviction process, outlining every legal step from preparing and serving a valid Section 8 or Section 21 notice to starting court proceedings ensuring landlords regain possession of their property lawfully under current housing legislation in England and Wales.
We handle the entire possession order process for landlords from issuing the correct court claim and preparing legal documents to representing you at hearings ensuring you lawfully secure possession of your rental property in full compliance with current housing law across England and Wales.
If tenants ignore a court possession order, we take the next step by instructing County Court or High Court Enforcement Officers. Our team manages all paperwork and enforcement procedures to ensure landlords lawfully regain full possession of their property anywhere in England and Wales.
After the bailiff enforces your possession order, we help landlords lawfully change the locks using certified locksmiths. This ensures your rental property is fully secured, compliant with housing regulations, and protected against unauthorised access anywhere in England and Wales following a legal eviction process.
Ground 1:Landlord occupation (2 months’ notice)
The landlord requires possession because they previously lived in the property as their main home, or now wish to move in as their main residence.
Ground 2: Mortgage repossession (2 months’ notice)
The property is subject to a mortgage and the lender (mortgagee) is entitled to exercise a power of sale.
Ground 3: Holiday let (2 weeks’ notice)
The tenancy is for a fixed term of no more than 8 months, and the property was previously used as a holiday let.
Ground 4: Student accommodation (2 weeks’ notice)
The tenancy is for a fixed term of no more than 12 months, and the property is student accommodation let out of term.
Ground 5: Minister of religion (2 months’ notice)
The property is required for use by a minister of religion, e.g. clergy housing.
Ground 6: Redevelopment (2 months’ notice)
The property requires substantial redevelopment or demolition that cannot reasonably be carried out with the tenant in occupation.
Ground 7: Death of tenant (2 months’ notice)
The tenant has died and the tenancy has passed to someone not entitled to succeed under the law.
Ground 8: Rent arrears (2 weeks’ notice)
The tenant is in serious rent arrears – typically at least 8 weeks’ arrears (weekly tenancy) or 2 months’ arrears (monthly tenancy) both at the date of the notice and the hearing.
Contact us today for more information about our Guaranteed Eviction Packages
Ground 9 – Alternative accommodation (2 months’ notice)
Suitable alternative housing is available for the tenant when possession is granted.
Ground 10 – Rent arrears (2 weeks’ notice)
The tenant has rent arrears at the time of serving the notice and at the hearing.
Ground 11 – Persistent delay in rent (2 weeks’ notice)
The tenant has a history of paying rent late, even if not currently in arrears.
Ground 12 – Breach of tenancy (2 weeks’ notice)
The tenant has broken a term of the tenancy agreement, other than rent payment.
Ground 13 – Damage to property (2 weeks’ notice)
The property has deteriorated due to the tenant’s neglect or conduct.
Ground 14 – Nuisance / illegal use (immediate to 2 weeks’ notice)
The tenant causes nuisance, annoyance, or engages inillegal/immoral use of the property. The court can act quickly here as this is a serious ground.
Ground 15 – Damage to landlord’s furniture (2 weeks’ notice)
The tenant has allowed the landlord’s furnishings to deteriorate through ill-treatment.
Ground 16 – Former employee tenancy (2 months’ notice)
The tenant occupies the property under a service tenancy (e.g. as part of former employment).
Ground 17 – False statement (2 weeks’ notice)
The tenancy was granted based on a false statement knowingly made by the tenant.
If a tenant ignores your notice, the next step is to apply to the court for possession. When a tenant refuses to leave after being served with a Section 8 or Section 21 notice, you must move quickly to protect your property and income. The next legal step is to issue possession proceedings in the County Court.
You don’t need to worry about the paperwork or procedure. Our experienced tenant eviction specialists take care of everything from start to finish. We will:
With our team handling your case, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your eviction is legally sound and progressing without unnecessary delay.
If tenants don’t leave after a court order, bailiff enforcement guarantees vacant possession. Sometimes, tenants ignore even a possession order. In that situation, the final stage is to apply for a warrant of possession. This allows County Court Bailiffs – or, where appropriate, High Court Enforcement Officers – to lawfully remove the tenant and return your property to you.
Our team manages the process from start to finish, including:
This is the last stage of the tenant eviction process, and it provides landlords with complete certainty that their property will be recovered. Acting quickly avoids further lost rent and ensures you can re-let your property sooner.
However frustrating a tenancy dispute becomes, eviction must follow the legal process. Cutting corners (changing locks, blocking access, intimidation, removing belongings, or any form of forced eviction) risks criminal liability, loss of a possession claim, and paying the tenant’s legal costs. A compliant route protects your position and speeds up a clean handover of the property.
If your tenant has breached the tenancy (e.g., rent arrears or other grounds set out in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988), you can serve a Section 8 notice. Use the prescribed “Notice seeking possession of a property let on an assured tenancy or an assured agricultural occupancy” form. Grounds and notice lengths vary—accuracy matters. We draft, serve, and evidence compliance so your claim is court-ready.
It’s essential to follow the rules precisely. A single defect can derail a case. Our eviction solicitors provide clear, step-by-step guidance and handle the paperwork and advocacy for you.
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We assist landlords across England & Wales. Call 03301224267 or use the enquiry form for a swift assessment.
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Need lawful possession fast? Speak to an eviction solicitor today. Call 03301224267 or send an enquiry—we’ll outline your best route (Section 8 or 21), timelines, and costs before we act.
Most straightforward rent arrears cases take 8–12 weeks after the notice expires.
If a hearing is required or the tenant defends, allow longer. Enforcement (bailiff/HCEO) adds 4–8 weeks depending on local court delays.
Section 8 requires proof of breach.
Examples:
• Rent ledger and arrears breakdown
• Inspection photos/videos of damage
• Witness statements for antisocial behaviour
• Copies of warning letters or communications
Stronger evidence = faster possession.
Yes — common defences include deposit issues, notice errors, disrepair claims, or incorrect dates.
Our compliance audit and drafting ensure the notice is valid and defensible before service.
Yes. Section 8 can be used at any time during the tenancy if a legal ground applies — you do not need a break clause or tenancy end.
For serious rent arrears, Section 8 is often faster because mandatory arrears grounds require the court to grant possession if proven.
Section 21 may avoid hearings — but the paperwork must be perfect.
We apply for a warrant of possession (County Court Bailiff) or transfer up for faster High Court Enforcement.
You never need to confront the tenant yourself — enforcement is handled legally for you.
info@tenantevictionlaw.co.uk
03301224267