Since the Renters' Rights Act came into force on May 1st, 2026, and abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, Section 8 is now the only legal route a landlord can use to evict you.
A Section 8 notice must be served on the prescribed Form 3A and must state the specific grounds the landlord is relying on, using the exact legal wording set out in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988. The landlord cannot simply tell you to leave: they must identify which grounds apply, provide evidence to support them, and ultimately prove their case in court if you don't agree to vacate.
The grounds fall into two categories:
The notice period varies depending on which grounds are used. Some grounds require four months' notice, others require two weeks. If your landlord doesn't follow the correct procedure, serves the wrong form, or fails to give you enough notice, the notice may be invalid and the court can dismiss the claim.
If you receive a Section 8 notice, you should seek advice immediately from Shelter, Citizens Advice, or the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service.
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