Section 8 Ground 14A: domestic violence in social housing
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Direct answer
Ground 14A is a discretionary ground used by specified social and registered landlords (not most private landlords) where one partner has fled domestic violence and is unlikely to return. It is intended to allow housing providers to recover possession in order to re-let, often to the survivor.
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 15: damage to furniture
Ground 15, Schedule 2 HA 1988: deterioration of furniture provided under the tenancy. Discretionary ground, 2 weeks notice. Defences and reasonableness. - Section 8 Ground 17: tenancy obtained by a false statement
Ground 17, Schedule 2 HA 1988: tenancy granted on a false statement. Discretionary ground, 2 weeks notice. Causation, knowledge, and reasonableness. - Section 8 Ground 10: some rent arrears
Ground 10, Schedule 2 HA 1988: some rent arrears at notice and hearing. Discretionary ground, no minimum threshold, reasonableness test. Defences explained. - Section 8 Ground 11: persistent late payment of rent
Ground 11, Schedule 2 HA 1988: persistent delay in paying rent, even when not currently in arrears. Discretionary ground, reasonableness test, defences. - Section 8 Ground 12: breach of a tenancy obligation
Ground 12, Schedule 2 HA 1988: breach of any tenancy obligation other than rent. Discretionary ground, 2 weeks notice. Defences and reasonableness. - Section 8 Ground 13: deterioration of the property
Ground 13, Schedule 2 HA 1988: property has deteriorated due to tenant waste or neglect. Discretionary ground, 2 weeks notice, key defences.
Related guidance inside this topic
- If your next step turns on Section 8 grounds and possession procedure, read challenge an eviction notice in England.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind Section 8 grounds and possession procedure, see possession 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 Section 8 notice validity guide 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 Form 3: what tenants should check
Received a Section 8 notice in England? Check Form 3A or an older Form 3 for missing details, dates and grounds. Start a free notice check. - 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
- Can a private landlord use Ground 14A?
- No. Ground 14A is only available to specified social and registered landlords - registered providers of social housing, local authorities, and certain housing co-operatives. A private landlord cannot use Ground 14A; if they purport to, the Section 8 notice is defective.
- What protections exist for survivors under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021?
- Survivors have specific housing protections, including duties on local authorities to provide support and accommodation. Joint tenancies can sometimes be transferred to the survivor through the family court. A survivor facing Ground 14A in their own name, or a perpetrator's name, should get specialist family and housing advice immediately.
- Is there a way to keep the property after the perpetrator has left?
- Yes - many social landlords use Ground 14A precisely to re-let to the survivor. Speak to the housing officer about the possibility of granting you a sole tenancy. Courts can also make occupation orders under the Family Law Act 1996 to exclude perpetrators.
- Does a Ground 14A Section 8 notice mean I have to leave immediately?
- No. A Section 8 notice never gives a landlord the right to evict you on its own. Even after the notice period expires, the landlord must apply to the county court, win a possession order, and then book a court bailiff. Until a bailiff with a warrant attends, you do not have to leave. If anyone tries to remove you without that paperwork, that is illegal eviction.
- 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.
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