Legal support
When a tenancy goes wrong, the process matters as much as the facts. Getting the ground or the notice period wrong costs months.
YouRent does not give legal advice
YouRent does not give legal advice. We can point you to free guidance, and we are arranging a solicitor partner — until then, contact a solicitor directly. You can find a regulated one through the Law Society.
Our tools draft documents from the facts you give us. Whether a ground applies, and what period is required, is a legal question — and it is changing as the Renters' Rights Act comes into force.
Want a solicitor to take this on?
Answer the questions a possession specialist would ask — what has been served, what the arrears are, whether the deposit was protected — and we put it in front of one regulated firm. Free to you.
Section 21 has gone
The Renters' Rights Act abolishes no-fault possession. A landlord who wants the property back has to rely on one of the statutory grounds below, prove it, and get a court order. We have not built a Section 21 tool, because serving one would waste your time.
Grounds for possession
From Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988. Mandatory grounds oblige the court to order possession if proved; discretionary ones only if it is also reasonable.
Ground 1 Landlord needs the property as their own home Mandatory
The landlord, or their spouse or partner, previously occupied the property as their only or principal home, or now requires it as such.
Evidence: Evidence of previous occupation, or of the intention to occupy. Notice of the intention to rely on this ground usually has to have been given before the tenancy began.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
Ground 2 Mortgage lender requires possession Mandatory
The property is subject to a mortgage granted before the tenancy began and the lender is entitled to exercise a power of sale.
Evidence: The mortgage deed and correspondence from the lender.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
Ground 7A Serious antisocial behaviour Mandatory
The tenant, or someone living in or visiting the property, has been convicted of a serious offence, or a court has found a breach of an injunction or closure order.
Evidence: The conviction, injunction, closure order or abatement notice relied on.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
Ground 8 Serious rent arrears Mandatory
A specified amount of rent was unpaid both when the notice was served and at the date of the hearing. ⚠️ The threshold has been changed by the Renters' Rights Act — check the amount in force before relying on this ground.
Evidence: A rent statement showing every payment due and received, and the arrears on both dates.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
Ground 10 Some rent unpaid Discretionary
Some rent lawfully due was unpaid when proceedings began and when the notice was served.
Evidence: A rent statement.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
Ground 11 Persistent late payment Discretionary
The tenant has persistently delayed paying rent, whether or not any is unpaid when proceedings begin.
Evidence: A payment history showing the pattern, and any correspondence about it.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
Ground 12 Breach of the tenancy agreement Discretionary
An obligation of the tenancy, other than payment of rent, has been broken or not performed.
Evidence: The clause relied on, and evidence of the breach.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
Ground 13 Deterioration of the property Discretionary
The condition of the property has deteriorated because of the tenant's waste, neglect or default.
Evidence: An inventory or check-in report, dated photographs, and an inspection report.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
Ground 14 Nuisance or annoyance Discretionary
The tenant or a visitor has caused nuisance or annoyance to people in the locality, or has used the property for illegal or immoral purposes.
Evidence: Dated incident logs, complaints from neighbours, and any police reference.
We are not stating a notice period for this ground. The Renters' Rights Act is changing them in stages, and a figure we have not verified could invalidate your notice. Check gov.uk, or ask a solicitor.
If you are a tenant and have been served a notice
A notice is not an eviction and you do not have to leave when it expires. Only a court can order you to leave, and only a bailiff can carry out an eviction. Notices are often invalid.
Get free advice now: Shelter 0808 800 4444, or Citizens Advice. The earlier you call, the more options you have.