What is a Section 8 notice?

Updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025: a Section 8 notice is now the only route a landlord has to end a tenancy in England, following the abolition of Section 21 on 1 May 2026.

A landlord must state a specific legal ground for eviction - common ones include rent arrears, wanting to sell the property, or moving back in themselves. The Renters' Rights Act expanded and amended these grounds to give landlords viable routes now that "no reason needed" evictions no longer exist.

How it works: the notice must name which ground is being used, and the required notice period varies by ground - it can be as short as 2 weeks for serious rent arrears, or several months for other grounds.

What it doesn't mean: receiving a Section 8 notice doesn't mean you have to leave immediately. The landlord must still go to court and get a possession order, and only bailiffs can carry out an actual eviction.

If you receive one, check the specific ground stated and whether it genuinely applies - organisations like Shelter can help you check it's valid.