Section 8 notice: what you need to know

Understanding your section 8 notice

If you owe rent, it’s called having rent arrears.

A private landlord can issue a section 8 notice if you have an assured or assured shorthold tenancy (AST) and they have a legal reason to evict you. If you’re not sure what type of tenancy you have, find out using Shelter’s tenancy checker.

There are lots of reason why your landlord might issue a section 8 notice.

This could be because of:

• rent arrears
• damages to your landlord’s property
• anti-social behaviour
• breach of tenancy agreement

In most cases, the legal reason is because of the tenant having rent arrears.

The reasons your landlord can evict you are called ‘ground for possession’.

The grounds to evict someone for rent arrears are:

• Ground 8 - if you owe at least 2 months’ rent
• Ground 10 - if you owe some rent
• Ground 11 - if you keep paying your rent late

The amount of notice you get will depend on the grounds for possession your landlord has used. You do not have to leave your home straight away.

Check if your section 8 notice is valid

Your section 8 notice may not be valid if your landlord has not put the right information on the notice.

Your landlord must provide the Section 8 notice in writing, either by using 'Form 3' or by sending a letter that includes the same details.

If you're unsure what Form 3 looks like, you can find it on the GOV.UK website.

A valid section 8 notice must include:

• your name
• the address of the property
• the ‘ground for possession’ - these are the reasons why your landlord wants you to leave your home (there are 17 ‘grounds for possession’ and they might try to use more than one)
• why the landlord can use the ground
• the date your notice ends - this is the earliest date your landlord could start court action

If your landlord hasn’t given your notice correctly, they could still ask the court to order you to leave your home. However, if your notice is not valid, you’ll have a chance to put your case forward and the court will make a decision.

What happens next?

If you don’t leave your home by the end of your notice, your landlord will need to get a possession order from the court.

A possession order says that you should be evicted. It means the court tells you to leave so the landlord can take the property back. The court may grant or deny the order depending on the grounds and circumstances. There might be things you can do to stop or prevent an eviction taking place.

Find out more about section 8 notices on the Shelter website.

How we can help

If you are being served a section 8 notice due to rent arrears, here are some things that you can do so that you are not taken to court.

Talk to your landlord about rent arrears

Here’s a helpful video from Shelter on how to talk to your landlord about rent arrears.

Make a rent repayment plan

A great way to ensure you have enough money to pay rent is to make a note of your monthly outgoings and incomings.

Watch this video from Shelter about how to make a rent repayment plan to help you pay off rent arrears.

Speak to someone before it’s too late

Our advisers are here to support you. To check whether your Section 8 notice is valid or to get advice tailored to your situation, contact us.

Worried about paying your rent or mortgage?

If you're struggling to pay your rent or mortgage, our Debt and Money Advice Team is here to help. They can guide you through debt solutions, assist with negotiating payment plans, and offer a range of financial tools to support you.

Debt and money advice service

Support from local organisations

If you need further financial support and support in other areas, you can find a list of local organisations and support groups available to you.

Advice on keeping your home

Help with dealing with rent arrears

Find practical advice from Shelter on how you can manage your rent so that you don't end up in arrears.

How to deal with rent arrears

Last updated 01 July 2025