Section 8 Ground 15: damage to furniture
Direct answer
Ground 15 is a narrow discretionary ground for cases where furniture provided by the landlord under the tenancy has deteriorated due to ill-treatment by the tenant or someone else living in the property. It is rarely used as a standalone ground, courts prefer damages claims for furniture damage.
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.
Related guidance inside this topic
- If your next step turns on legacy Section 21 notice rules, read all Section 21 condition guides.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind legacy Section 21 notice rules, see Section 21 checker before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with section 13 rent increase rules, check section 13 checker to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of landlord repair duties, use repairs checker for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with what happens after Section 21 ended so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.
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- Rent increase rules in England
The split between pre-1 May 2026 and post-1 May 2026 section 13 rules, including Form 4, Form 4A, notice periods, and tribunal rights. - Tenant rights in England: complete guide
The main overview page linking eviction, repairs, deposit protection, rent increases, and illegal eviction rights together. - Renter questions answered
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The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes.
Common questions
- Can my landlord evict me for ordinary use that wears furniture out?
- No. Ground 15 requires ill-treatment — deliberate or grossly negligent conduct. Normal wear and tear from ordinary use is excluded. Old, worn furniture being further worn out by ordinary use does not support Ground 15.
- Can the landlord recover the cost from my deposit instead?
- Yes. The deposit dispute resolution scheme can adjudicate furniture-damage claims. This is normally the proportionate route — the court will be reluctant to grant possession when damage can be addressed through the deposit.
- Does a Ground 15 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.
Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.