Free Section 8 Eviction Checker for UK Landlords

Check which Section 8 ground you can use to evict a tenant in England. Our free checker matches your situation to the correct ground and notice period.

Section 8 eviction notice paperwork on a desk with a pen, coffee and notepad
Section 8 Grounds Checker · England

Which Section 8 grounds can I use to evict my tenant?

Tell us what's happening and we'll show you the grounds for possession that may apply under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, whether each is mandatory or discretionary, the notice period, and the blockers to clear first. General information only — not legal advice.

1Your situation
2Grounds
3Action plan
4Report

What's the situation?

Select every reason you want to end the tenancy. You can choose more than one.

A few facts

These let us check thresholds and blockers accurately.

Enter the number of months. The sale and move-in grounds can't be used in the first 12 months.
i By law a tenant's deposit must be (1) placed in a government-approved protection scheme within 30 days, and (2) the prescribed information (the scheme's details and how to get the deposit back) given to the tenant. If either is missing, a court can block most possession grounds until you fix it or return the deposit — and you may owe the tenant up to 3× the deposit. Choose the option that matches what was done.
An unprotected deposit blocks most grounds until it's fixed.
Before you start. Since 1 May 2026, Section 21 'no-fault' eviction is abolished — Section 8 is the only route in England. This tool gives you a starting point based on what you enter; it does not decide your case, draft your notice, or replace advice from a housing solicitor.
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Your Section 8 grounds
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Grounds that may apply

Sorted strongest-first. Mandatory = the court must grant possession if the ground is proved. Discretionary = the court decides if it's reasonable, so evidence is key.

Your action plan

The Section 8 route, the notice you must give, and the evidence to gather for your grounds.

Get the notice right. Section 8 must be served on the current prescribed notice form (updated for the Renters' Rights Act — confirm the latest version on GOV.UK), naming each ground and its full statutory text. A defective notice can sink the whole claim. Have a solicitor or accredited adviser check it before you serve.

The process

  1. Clear any blockers first — e.g. protect the deposit and serve prescribed information, or you can't rely on most grounds.
  2. Serve a valid Section 8 notice (the current prescribed form) on the tenant, citing every ground you rely on and giving the correct notice period: —
  3. Wait out the notice period. The tenant may leave or pay down arrears — for mandatory Ground 8 the arrears must still meet the threshold at the hearing.
  4. Apply to court for a possession order if the tenant doesn't leave. Mandatory grounds may allow the accelerated/standard route; discretionary grounds need a hearing.
  5. Attend the hearing with your evidence. If granted, and the tenant still doesn't leave, you apply for a warrant and County Court bailiffs / High Court enforcement.

Evidence to gather

    Official guidance & forms

    Straight from GOV.UK — read these before you serve notice.

    Section 8 · England
    Grounds Assessment
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    Section 8 Grounds Assessment

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    Parties

    Landlord / agent—
    Tenant—
    Property—

    Grounds identified

    About this report. Generated from the situation you entered and Landlord Studio's Section 8 grounds checker, reflecting the Renters' Rights Act 2025 regime in England (in force 1 May 2026). Not legal advice. It is a starting point, not a determination of your case and not a notice. The grounds, notice periods and thresholds shown are summaries that can change and depend on facts specific to your tenancy. Always have a Section 8 notice and possession claim checked by a licensed solicitor or accredited adviser. Landlord Studio accepts no liability for decisions made on the basis of this report.
    About this checker. England only. General information reflecting the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (Section 21 abolished; Section 8 the only route from 1 May 2026) — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Eviction is a formal court process with strict notice and procedural rules that vary by case and change over time. The grounds shown are a starting point based on your inputs, not a determination of your case. Everything you enter about your tenant stays in your browser and is not sent to us. Always consult a licensed solicitor or accredited housing adviser before serving notice. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules. Landlord Studio accepts no liability for decisions made on the basis of this tool.

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    How does the Section 8 eviction checker work?

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    Check which Section 8 ground you can use to evict a tenant in England. Our free checker matches your situation to the correct ground and notice period.

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    • Select every reason you want to end the tenancy - arrears, anti-social behaviour, sale, moving in, breach and more.
    • See which grounds may apply, whether each is mandatory or discretionary, and the notice period each one carries.
    • Get warned about the blockers first, like an unprotected deposit or prescribed information you never served.
    • Download a dated grounds assessment to take to your solicitor before you serve notice.