If you get a ‘section 8’ eviction notice

Summary

The amount of notice you get will depend on what grounds for possession your landlord has used. For example, your landlord has to give you: * 2 months’ notice if they want to move into the property * 2 weeks’ notice if you haven’t paid your rent * 2 weeks’ notice if you’ve damaged the property You should think about what your options are if you decide to leave your home. If you leave your home before the date on your section 8 notice, you could be considered 'intentionally homeless'. This could make it harder for you to get help from your local council. Your landlord should give your section 8 notice in writing. They’ll usually use ‘Form 3’ if they’re a housing association or ‘Form 3A’ if they’re a private landlord. The form can be different as long as it includes the same details. You can check what Form 3 and Form 3A look like on GOV.UK. Your notice won't be valid if it doesn't include: * the 'grounds for possession' \- these are the reasons why your landlord wants you to leave your home * the date your notice ends - your landlord will need to get a possession order from the court if you don't leave by that date If your landlord hasn't given you the notice correctly, they could.

Key information

• 2 months’ notice if they want to move into the property
• 2 weeks’ notice if you haven’t paid your rent
• 2 weeks’ notice if you’ve damaged the property
• the address of the property
• the 'grounds for possession' \- these are the reasons why your landlord wants you to leave your home
• the date your notice ends - your landlord will need to get a possession order from the court if you don't leave by that date
• what grounds for possession your landlord is using to try to evict you - they might use a few
• why your landlord is using the grounds for possession, for example if you have rent arrears, or if you've damaged the property
• your landlord wants to move back into the property
• your landlord is behind with their mortgage payments and the property is being repossessed
• you've been convicted of a serious criminal offence near your home
• 3 months - if you pay your rent monthly

Practical guidance

• Source: If you get a ‘section 8’ eviction notice

Related topics

More in this area

• Evicting a residential tenant
• Notice seeking possession: Your complete guide
• Who pays the court costs for an eviction in the UK?
• Ask the council to check if your rented home needs repairs
• How long does a possession order take?