Section 8 Ground 1A: landlord intends to sell
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Direct answer
Ground 1A is a mandatory ground introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 from 1 May 2026. The landlord must prove a genuine intention to sell. The relevant date normally cannot fall within the tenancy's first 12 months, but the Act has a narrow compulsory-acquisition exception.
Received a notice citing this ground? Run the free Section 8 notice checker.
This is legal information, not legal advice. If your situation is urgent or already in court, call Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or contact your local Citizens Advice for free expert advice.
Free checkers
- Section 8 checker
Run the free interactive Section 8 checker for a personalised analysis based on your facts. - All Section 8 grounds
Browse the hub of the main Section 8 possession grounds private renters face.
Other Section 8 grounds of the same type
- Section 8 Ground 2: mortgage lender requires possession
Ground 2, Schedule 2 HA 1988: mortgagee sale with vacant possession. Current 4-month notice and date-dependent legacy conditions explained. - Section 8 Ground 5: property required for a minister of religion
Ground 5, Schedule 2 HA 1988: property required for a minister of religion. Mandatory ground, 2 months notice, conditions and defences explained. - Section 8 Ground 6: demolition, reconstruction, or substantial works
Ground 6, Schedule 2 HA 1988: landlord intends to demolish, reconstruct, or carry out substantial works. Mandatory ground, 4 months notice, key defences. - Section 8 Ground 7: death of the former tenant
Ground 7, Schedule 2 HA 1988: tenancy inherited under a will or intestacy. Mandatory ground with residence, timing, and 2-month notice rules explained. - Section 8 Ground 7A: serious anti-social behaviour
Ground 7A, Schedule 2 HA 1988: qualifying serious anti-social or criminal behaviour. Current immediate proceedings and 14-day order floor explained. - Section 8 Ground 7B: no right to rent
Ground 7B, Schedule 2 HA 1988: tenant has no right to rent in the UK. Mandatory ground requires Home Office notice. 2 weeks notice period. Defences explained.
Related guidance inside this topic
- If your next step turns on Section 8 grounds and possession procedure, read how to challenge an eviction notice.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind Section 8 grounds and possession procedure, see eviction timeline guide before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with Section 8 grounds and possession procedure, check Eviction court hearing: what tenants should expect to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of Section 8 grounds and possession procedure, use what invalidates a Section 8 notice for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on Section 8 grounds and possession procedure, start with Section 8 checker so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.
Sources used for this guide
These are primary legislation and public guidance sources that support the legal-information framework used on this page.
- Housing Act 1988
Primary statute for assured tenancies, Section 8 possession notices, Schedule 2 grounds, and legacy Section 21 rules. - Renters' Rights Act 2025
Primary reform statute referenced by these guides for the 2026 private rented sector changes in England. - GOV.UK assured tenancy forms guidance
Official forms guidance for assured tenancy possession notices, including the current Section 8 notice forms used in England. - GOV.UK: grounds for possession tenant guidance
Government guidance for tenants on possession notices, grounds, court, possession order, and enforcement stages. - Shelter Legal: Section 8 notices
Shelter Legal guidance on Section 8 notice validity, Form 3, particulars, service, notice periods, and time limits.
Related articles
- Section 8 eviction grounds in 2026
The main guide to mandatory and discretionary Section 8 grounds, notice periods, evidence, and court reasoning. - Can my landlord evict me in 2026?
A route-selection guide for tenants trying to distinguish valid possession, informal pressure, and unlawful eviction. - Section 8 notice periods by ground in 2026
Section 8 notice periods by ground after 1 May 2026. Compare rent arrears, sale, occupation, breach and anti-social behaviour timings. - Section 8 Form 3A and saved Form 3 mistakes
Common Section 8 Form 3A and saved Form 3 mistakes: wrong form for the service date, missing grounds, vague particulars, timing, and service. - Possession order: what happens next?
What happens after a possession order in England: dates, suspended orders, outright orders, warrants, bailiffs, urgent advice, and evidence to keep.
Common questions
- What evidence does the landlord need to prove a sale intention?
- The landlord must prove a genuine intention to sell on the balance of probabilities. Ground 1A prescribes no single document; agent instructions, valuations, listing preparation, buyer correspondence, oral evidence, and consistent conduct may all be relevant.
- What if the landlord changes their mind and decides not to sell?
- The intention to sell must still be proved when the court decides the claim. Evidence that the plan ended or changed can defeat Ground 1A. Letting or marketing during the separate statutory restricted period can also trigger enforcement, subject to exceptions.
- Does a Ground 1A Section 8 notice mean I have to leave immediately?
- No. A Section 8 notice does not give a landlord authority to remove you. The landlord must apply to the county court and obtain a possession order, which can set a date to leave. If you remain, physical removal requires authorised court enforcement: ordinarily a county court bailiff on a warrant, or a High Court enforcement officer on a writ where lawfully transferred. Landlord self-help removal may engage Protection from Eviction Act 1977 offences.
- Where can I get free, urgent advice?
- Call Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or contact your local Citizens Advice. If you are at immediate risk of being locked out, contact the police and your local council's tenancy relations team. This guide is legal information, not legal advice.
Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.
