Section 8 Notice Serving.

With the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, Section 8 eviction notices are now the primary legal route for landlords wishing to take back possession of their property when tenants breach the tenancy agreement.

 

1. Identify Grounds for Possession

The experts at Strikes Property Services Group identify the correct eviction grounds for possession and Section 8 notice period. Under the Renters' Reform Act 2025, landlords must cite specific legal grounds from Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988, which include:

• Rent arrears (Grounds 8, 10, 11)

• Antisocial behaviour (Ground 14)

• Property damage or neglect (Ground 13),

• Landlord intention to sell or move in (new grounds introduced in 2025).

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2. Gather Evidence

As the onus is now on landlords to show that a tenant has breached the contract, we help you gather the evidence, which includes:

• Rent statements

• Tenancy agreements

• Photos of damage

• Communication logs

• Witness statements

We complete Form 3 to issue a Section 8 notice, including details such as grounds for possession, notice period, tenant details, and property address.

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3. Serve the Section 8 Notice

Strikes Enforcement Agents serve the Section 8 Notice using one of the following methods: in person (ideally with a witness), by post (recorded delivery recommended), or by email (only if the tenancy agreement allows). We always keep proof of service to ensure proper documentation.

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4. Wait for the Section 8 Notice Period to Expire

Depending on the grounds, the Section 8 notice period can last between 14 days to 2 months. During this time, tenants may vacate voluntarily, challenge the notice, or resolve the issue (e.g., by paying rent arrears or repairing damage to the property).

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5. Apply for a Possession Order

If the tenant doesn’t leave, we apply to the County Court for a Possession Order. Our team files a claim for possession (Form N5 and N119), submits evidence, attends hearings, and receives the court decision on your behalf.

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6. Apply for a Warrant of Enforcement

If the tenants don’t leave the property by the stated date, landlords must apply for a warrant of enforcement. Our Enforcement Agents, or the county court bailiffs, will carry out the enforcement.

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7. Transfer to the High Court (if required)

In some cases, landlords can transfer enforcement to the High Court, which is simple with Strikes' in-house Authorised High Court Enforcement Officer, streamlining the process and ensuring swift enforcement.