---
title: "Section 8 Notices"
url: https://lexlaw.co.uk/solicitors-london/section-8-notices/
date: 2021-11-09
modified: 2026-06-02
author: "LEXLAW Solicitors & Barristers"
description: "Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 allows a landlord to gain possession of a property under certain circumstances."
categories:
  - "Coronavirus"
  - "COVID-19"
  - "Landlord"
  - "Litigation"
  - "Property Litigation"
  - "Tenant"
  - "Uncategorized"
tags:
  - "COVID-19"
  - "Eviction"
  - "Landlord and Tenant"
  - "Litigation"
  - "Property Disputes"
  - "Property Litigation"
image: https://lexlaw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/jose-fontano-pZld9PiPDno-unsplash-1024x642.jpg
word_count: 559
---

# Section 8 Notices

*As a landlord, you may initiate proceedings to gain possession of a property let on an assured shorthold tenancy **before** the end of the fixed tenancy’s term. Our highly-qualified team of expert Property Litigation solicitors and barristers are regularly consulted by clients looking to serve [Section 8 and Section 21 notices](https://www.gov.uk/evicting-tenants/section-21-and-section-8-notices) onto tenants. *

## Requirements Under a Section 8 Notice

Any possession sought under Section 8 must necessarily be based upon the grounds mentioned in [Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/50/schedule/2?view=plain). To proceed with a Section 8 Notice, you must successfully be able to make out a claim under one or more of the 18 grounds set out in the Schedule.

To issue a Section 8 Notice, you must use the prescribed form issued by the government and clearly mention the Schedule 2 grounds you intend to rely upon. You must also give the tenant a reasonable amount of notice which varies, depending on the Schedule 2 grounds you intend to rely upon.

## Can I Undertake a Section 8 Notice on My Own?

A Section 8 Notice is a tricky form. It is of the utmost importance to note that a Section 8 Notice is only valid if it is filled and served in the correct way. If you do not correctly use the prescribed form or mention the grounds you intend to rely upon, **you may be left with no other choice but to file the notice again**. This means that you will have to wait for a renewed period of reasonable notice to lapse before you can go to court to enforce your rights.

Reasons as simple as providing incorrect names or dates on the notice may invalidate your claim. Our specialist team of Property Litigation Barristers and Solicitors never miss the details and save you the hassle. We walk you through the complex rules and regulations, and assist you with all proceedings, from start to finish, so that you get it right the first time.

## Is the Court bound to grant Eviction Orders Under Schedule 2?

Out of the 18 grounds mentioned in Schedule 2, only 8 are mandatory. If you can successfully make out your case based on any of these, the court will be bound to grant the order. If your case falls within any of the remaining 10 grounds, however, the matter of granting the order will lie at the court’s discretion. Our expert Property Litigation team assists you on the individual merits of your case and, after conducting in-depth research, advises you on the actionable routes open to you. We are able to accurately discern where your case falls under Schedule 2 and if you might be better off pursuing other options.

## Successful Section 8 Notices

We are a specialist [City of London](http://www.appgbanking.org.uk/) law firm made up of Solicitors & Barristers operating from the only law firm based in the [Middle Temple Inns of Court](https://www.middletemple.org.uk/) adjacent to the Royal Courts of Justice. Our expert Property Litigation legal team deliver expert technical knowledge; the utmost expertise; strong negotiation skills and respected advice on the interpretation of leases, tenant insolvency, evictions, forfeiture, lease renewals and exercising break clauses which can make a pronounced difference in Landlord and Tenant and Real Estate disputes.

Our expert legal team can provide urgent help, advice or representation to you. Call us on ☎ 02071830529 or [email us now](https://lexlaw.co.uk/legal-case-assessment/).