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Eviction Notice (Notice Requiring Possession)

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Your Eviction Notices (Residential)

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Form 3A

NOTICE SEEKING POSSESSION OF A PROPERTY LET ON AN ASSURED TENANCY OR AN ASSURED AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY IN THE PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR

Housing Act 1988 section 8, as amended

This notice tells you that your landlord would like you to leave their property.

For use in the private rented sector in England only. For tenancies in the social rented sector, Form 3 should be used.

INFORMATION FOR THE TENANT
This form has been completed by your landlord or their agent and explains the reasons you are being asked to leave the property you rent so that your landlord can regain possession.

Your landlord intends to begin court proceedings for possession of the property they rent to you, which is identified in question 1.2 below.

You do not have to leave immediately. If you choose not to leave, your landlord must apply to the court to evict you. If your landlord makes an application to the court, the court will decide whether or not you will need to leave. It is illegal for your landlord to try to force you to leave, for example by changing the locks or harassing you. They must follow the correct legal process.

You should read this notice in full immediately and seek advice on your options.

If you want to stay, you may be able to resolve the situation with your landlord or challenge the claim in court.

There is information in Section 6 on the next steps and where you can find advice. Section 6 also includes information for those with rent arrears and other debt problems.

Further guidance on this form, for both landlords and tenants, can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/assured-tenancy-forms.

Note: If you have an assured agricultural occupancy you may have a licensor instead of a landlord. In those circumstances you will be a licensee.

Except in Section 5, references in this notice to a landlord include a licensor and references to tenant(s) include licensee(s).

1. THE TENANT(S) DETAILS

1.1 Full name(s) of tenant(s)

____________________

1.2 Your landlord is seeking possession of the following property:
________________________________________

NOTES TO THE LANDLORD: You can complete and sign this notice electronically or by hand.
Note 1.1: If it is a joint tenancy you must list all of the tenants.

2. EARLIEST DATE YOUR LANDLORD CAN APPLY TO COURT TO REGAIN POSSESSION

2.1 Your landlord cannot begin court proceedings for possession earlier than 9 June 2026

3. LATEST DATE YOUR LANDLORD CAN APPLY TO COURT TO REGAIN POSSESSION

The latest date that your landlord can apply to court for a possession order is 12 months from the date of service of this notice. After this the notice will no longer be valid. This time limit may be extended if you enter a breathing space under the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space Moratorium and Mental Health Crisis Moratorium) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020.

NOTES TO THE LANDLORD: Note 2.1: Before you can apply to the court to begin possession proceedings you must give the minimum amount of notice according to the grounds you are relying on, though you may choose to give more.

You cannot apply to the court for a possession order until the notice period has expired. If you are relying on more than one ground you must wait until the expiry of the longest notice period of the possession grounds you are using as set out in section 8 (4AA) Housing Act 1988. The exception is if you are seeking possession on the grounds of Antisocial Behaviour (Grounds 7A and 14), in which case you may enter the date you serve the notice and apply to the court immediately.

For guidance on the minimum amount of notice, see the Form 3A: Completing the notice seeking possession – guidance for private landlords at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/assured-tenancy-forms.

4. LANDLORD'S REASONS FOR ASKING YOU TO LEAVE

Your landlord must explain why they are seeking possession of the property. This means they must give you reasons why they want you to leave the property and give you at least the minimum amount of notice to do so.

They can only use certain reasons called ‘possession grounds’. The possession grounds are in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (as amended) and can be found in full in Form 3A: Legal wording for possession grounds which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/assured-tenancy-forms.

Question 4.1 is optional. It lists some common possession grounds which have been summarised to aid your understanding. It does not include every possible ground. Your landlord may tick the relevant box(es) here if they apply.

Questions 4.2 and 4.3 are mandatory. Your landlord will set out the grounds that they are relying on in question 4.2 and an explanation for using those grounds in question 4.3.

4.1 Common reasons for seeking possession include:

[     ] You have rent arrears of more than 13 weeks or 3 months (depending on whether your tenancy is weekly, fortnightly or monthly) (Ground 8)
[     ] You have some unpaid rent or are persistently late paying rent (Grounds 10 or 11)
[     ] Your landlord wants to use or sell the property (Grounds 1 or 1A)
[     ] Your landlord wants to rent their property to new students or workers (Grounds 4A, 5A or 5C)
[     ] Your landlord plans to re-develop their property (Ground 6)
[     ] Antisocial behaviour or breach of other legal requirements (Grounds 7A or 14)
[     ] You have breached the terms of your tenancy agreement (Ground 12)
[     ] You have allowed the condition of the property or furniture to deteriorate (Grounds 13 or 15)
[     ] You do not have the right to rent in the UK (Ground 7B)
[ X ] Other (ground(s) not listed above)

NOTE TO THE LANDLORD 4.1: This is a list of common grounds for possession. To aid your tenant(s) understanding you can tick the boxes to indicate the reason(s) you are seeking possession. If none of the listed grounds apply, select 'Other (ground(s) not listed above)'. Provide the full legal wording for each possession ground you are seeking to rely on in question 4.2.

4.2 Possession ground(s) as set out in schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988

Below are the grounds your landlord is using to try to regain possession of the property. Read this carefully and seek advice if you do not understand.

  • Ground ______:  
      

NOTE TO THE LANDLORD 4.2: For this notice to be valid, tenants must be given notice of the legal grounds the landlord is using to seek possession. Insert the full legal wording as set out in schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 (as amended) for each ground that you are using. The legal wording can be found in Form 3A: Legal wording for possession grounds accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/assured-tenancy-forms. The legal wording may be long so continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

Do not rely on the name of the ground only.

The guidance mentioned above also contains an explanation of the ground, published alongside the full legal wording. You are advised to supply this explanation here alongside the legal wording, as it appears in the guidance.

4.3 Landlord’s explanation of why each possession ground is being used

This is your landlord’s explanation of how and why they believe they are legally able to use the grounds for possession in questions 4.1 and 4.2.

  • Ground ______:  
         

5. CONTACT DETAILS OF THE LANDLORD, LICENSOR, OR AGENT

5.1 Signed





5.2 I am the
[ X ] Landlord
[     ] Agent
[     ] Licensor

5.3 Date
9 June 2026

5.4 Name of landlord, licensor, or agent
____________________

5.5 Address of landlord, licensor, or agent
________________________________________

5.6 Phone number
________________

5.7 Email
___________

NOTES TO THE LANDLORD:
Note 5.1: This notice must be signed and completed by the landlord, licensor, or someone who is authorised to give notice on behalf of the landlord or licensor. If you are joint landlords or licensors either each sign this notice, or agree for one landlord or licensor to sign this notice on behalf of you all.
Note 5.4: Give the details of the landlord, licensor, or agent who completed and signed this notice. You must give this notice to the tenant(s) and keep a copy for yourself.

Note 5.7: If you provide an email address, you agree that the tenant and the court may use this address to serve documents on you.

6. INFORMATION FOR TENANTS

Whether you want to leave or stay, you should seek advice immediately. If you want to stay, you may be able to resolve the situation directly with your landlord. Before your landlord can apply to the court for a possession order they must give you at least the minimum amount of notice. The amount of time depends on the reason they want to regain possession. For the minimum amount of notice required for the ground(s) that your landlord is using see Form 3A: Receiving the notice seeking possession – guidance for tenants accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/assured-tenancy-forms. If your landlord goes to court, you will have the opportunity to dispute the possession claim. There is more information on the process for possession (known as the possession action process) at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renting-out-your-property-guidance-for-landlords-and-letting-agents/repossessing-your-privately-rented-property-on-or-after-1-may-2026. When seeking to regain possession, landlords must also adhere to duties set out in Section 16E of the Housing Act 1988. Further information can be found in Form 3A: Receiving the notice seeking possession – guidance for tenants, accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/assured-tenancy-forms.

Where to seek advice
There are places you can find advice about this notice:

  • https://www.shelter.org.uk or Shelter’s emergency helpline on 0808 800 4444
  • Get free legal advice through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/legal-aid-for-possession-proceedings
  • A citizens advice adviser by calling 03444 111 444 or online. You can find out more at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/
  • A housing advice centre or law centre.
  • You can get legal advice from a legal representative. Find a solicitor at https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/
  • Civil Legal Advice (CLA) may be able to direct you to legal advice on housing. You can contact them at https://www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice, by calling 0345 345 4345 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm and Saturday 9am–12:30pm), or by texting ‘legalaid’ and your name to 80010 to ask CLA to call you back. It costs the same as a normal text message.

If you’re worried about becoming homeless contact your local authority for support. You can find your local authority at: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

Advice on owing rent (rent arrears) or any other problem debt
If you need advice on owing rent (rent arrears) or any other problem debt, you can contact:

  • A citizens advice adviser by calling 03444 111 444 or online. You can find out more at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/
  • Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/legal-aid-for-possession-proceedings
  • Your local authority for details of where you may find assistance. You can find your local authority at: www.gov.uk/find-local-council
  • Money Helper (formerly the Money Advice Service) for guidance on finding a free debt adviser on its website: www.moneyhelper.org.uk/ or over the phone by calling 0800 138 777

If you are experiencing problem debt, a debt adviser may consider a Breathing Space to be an appropriate option for you while you work with them to identify a solution to your debts. The Breathing Space Scheme provides a temporary pause on creditor enforcement action to give you time to speak to a debt adviser about how to address your debts.

If you are in a Breathing Space moratorium under the Debt Respite Scheme, your landlord must speak to your debt adviser instead of contacting you directly about you owing rent.

A standard breathing space lasts up to 60 days. During this time, your landlord cannot give you notice to start the possession process on grounds related to owing rent (rent arrears). Once your Breathing Space comes to an end, your landlord will be notified and can continue or begin any enforcement action on the rent owed.

If the notice is not about owing rent and if you are in a Breathing Space, show your debt adviser this notice to notify them of the change in your circumstances.

Breathing space is not a payment holiday and you should still pay ongoing liabilities, including ongoing rent payments, as they fall due.

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Last Updated 1 June 2026

Residential Eviction and Lease Notices

Landlords in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales require specific notice forms to evict tenants from a residential property. LawDepot offers the forms you need for your country and allows you to customise them to your situation.

Evicting a tenant in England

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In England, landlords can use a Section 8 Notice to evict a tenant.

What is a Section 8 Notice?

A Section 8 Notice, also referred to as a Section 8 Possession Notice, is used by landlords to terminate an Assured Periodic Tenancy.

When can I use a Section 8 Eviction Notice?

Landlords can use Section 8 notices when a tenant has breached the Tenancy Agreement and the breach satisfies one of the grounds for eviction. This notice can also be used for non-breach grounds (e.g., the landlord selling the property).

The landlord can issue the Section 8 Notice, but must apply for a possession order from the court to evict the tenant. The order must specify the landlord's intentions of regaining possession to the dwelling, and also the mandatory or discretionary grounds for eviction.

What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary grounds for eviction?

If one of the mandatory grounds for eviction is proven in court, the judge must grant a possession order to the landlord. Conversely, discretionary grounds are subjective, and the possession order is granted at the court's discretion.

What does a Section 8 Possession Notice include?

A Section 8 Notice includes the following information:

  • The tenant's name
  • The leased property's address
  • The landlord's name, address, and phone number
  • The earliest date the landlord can apply to court to regain possession
  • The latest date your landlord can apply to court to regain possession
  • The full legal wording of the statutory grounds that the tenant violated, and an explanation of how the ground applies to the tenant
  • Reference to Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988

Evicting a tenant in Wales

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In Wales, landlords can use a Possession Notice to seek possession of a property occupied under an Occupation Contract.

What is a Possession Notice?

Since December 2022, Wales has operated under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which abolished Section 8 and 21 notices.

Instead, landlords must serve the appropriate Possession Notice depending on the circumstances and the type of Occupation Contract. The notice informs the tenant (i.e., contract-holder) that the landlord intends to seek possession of the property.

When can I use a Possession Notice?

Landlords can serve a Possession Notice for a variety of reasons, including:

  • The contract-holder has breached the occupation contract (for example, by failing to pay rent or engaging in anti-social behaviour)
  • Serious rent arrears
  • Breaches of contract terms
  • Estate management grounds
  • The landlord relying on a no-fault possession ground, where permitted by law

The notice requirements, notice periods, and grounds for possession vary depending on the reason for seeking possession and the type of occupation contract.

Serving a Possession Notice does not automatically end the occupation contract. If the contract-holder does not leave the property by the expiry of the notice period, the landlord will generally need to apply to the court for a possession order before possession can be recovered.

What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary grounds for possession?

Some possession grounds are mandatory, meaning that if the landlord proves the ground applies, the court must grant a possession order.

Other grounds are discretionary, meaning the court will consider all the circumstances of the case and decide whether it is reasonable to grant possession.

What does a Possession Notice include?

A Possession Notice typically includes the following information:

  • The contract-holder's name
  • The landlord's name and contact details
  • The address of the property
  • The ground or grounds relied upon for possession
  • An explanation of why the ground applies
  • The date after which court proceedings for possession may begin
  • Information about the contract-holder's rights and the possession process
  • Reference to the relevant provisions of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

Evicting a tenant in Northern Ireland

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In Northern Ireland, a Notice to Quit is used to evict a tenant.

What is a Notice to Quit?

A Notice to Quit is a written eviction notice that a landlord or tenant can use to end a residential tenancy.

When can I use a Notice to Quit?

A Notice to Quit can be used to end a fixed or periodic tenancy when:

  • A tenant breaches the Tenancy Agreement within a fixed or periodic term (e.g., the tenant has failed to pay rent).
  • A landlord or tenant wishes to end a periodic tenancy.

How do I deliver a Notice to Quit letter?

You must serve the Notice to Quit within the appropriate notice period, which will depend on how long the tenant has lived in the property or the stated notice period in the Tenancy Agreement.

The notice form should be delivered in person, by mail, or electronically. You can ensure the notice was received by using recorded delivery, asking a third party to witness the delivery, or requesting a response from the tenant once they've received the letter.

Both parties should have a written copy of the notice for their records.

Evicting a tenant in Scotland

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Starting in December 2017, all new private tenancies in Scotland are private residential tenancies, which no longer require a Section 33 Notice or Form AT6. 

In Scotland, landlords can use a Notice to Leave to begin the eviction process.

What is a Notice to Leave?

A Notice to Leave is a legal notice landlords use to inform a tenant that they intend to seek possession of a property. For most private residential tenancies in Scotland, a Notice to Leave is the first step in the eviction process.

When can I use a Notice to Leave?

Landlords can serve a Notice to Leave when one or more statutory grounds (i.e., reasons) for eviction apply. There are 18 different grounds for eviction, and all of them are discretionary.

  • You intend to sell the let property
  • You intend to sell the let property
  • You intend to refurbish the let property
  • You intend to live in the let property
  • You intend to use the let property for a non-residential purpose
  • You require the let property for a religious worker
  • The tenant has a relevant criminal conviction
  • The tenant is no longer occupying the let property
  • Your family member intends to live in the let property
  • The tenant no longer needs supported accommodation
  • The tenant has breached a term of the tenancy agreement
  • The tenant has engaged in relevant antisocial behaviour
  • Tenant has associated with someone who has a criminal conviction or is antisocial in the let property
  • You have had your registration refused or revoked
  • Your HMO licence has been revoked
  • An overcrowding statutory notice has been served on you
  • The tenant is in rent arrears for over three consecutive months

The landlord must specify the ground or grounds for eviction in the Notice to Leave and comply with the applicable notice period.

Serving a Notice to Leave does not automatically end the tenancy or allow the landlord to remove the tenant from the property. If the tenant does not leave by the expiry of the notice period, the landlord must apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for an eviction order.

What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary grounds for eviction?

Eviction grounds in Scotland are either mandatory or discretionary.

If a mandatory ground is established, the Tribunal must issue an eviction order.

If a discretionary ground is relied upon, the Tribunal will consider the circumstances of the case and decide whether it is reasonable to grant an eviction order.

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