Section 8 Ground 1A: landlord intends to sell
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Direct answer
Ground 1A is a mandatory ground introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 from 1 May 2026. The landlord must prove a genuine intention to sell. The relevant date normally cannot fall within the tenancy's first 12 months, but the Act has a narrow compulsory-acquisition exception.
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 legacy Section 21 checker.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind legacy Section 21 notice rules, see Section 21 validity guides before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with legacy Section 21 notice rules, check overview of tenant rights in England to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of deposit protection and deduction disputes, use deposit prescribed information guide for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with tenant FAQ hub 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
- Deposit protected late? Section 21 may be invalid
How late deposit protection after the 30-day deadline affects a legacy Section 21 notice. - Section 21 deposit protection prescribed information validity
Current guidance on deposit amount, property address, and prescribed-information checks for legacy Section 21 notices. - Section 21 abolished: what happens now?
The transition guide for pre-cutoff notices, the 1 May 2026 changeover, and when possession analysis switches to Section 8. - Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026. - Renters' Rights Act 2026: complete guide
The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes.
Common questions
- What evidence does the landlord need to prove a sale intention?
- The landlord must prove a genuine intention to sell on the balance of probabilities. Ground 1A prescribes no single document; agent instructions, valuations, listing preparation, buyer correspondence, oral evidence, and consistent conduct may all be relevant.
- What if the landlord changes their mind and decides not to sell?
- The intention to sell must still be proved when the court decides the claim. Evidence that the plan ended or changed can defeat Ground 1A. Letting or marketing during the separate statutory restricted period can also trigger enforcement, subject to exceptions.
- Does a Ground 1A Section 8 notice mean I have to leave immediately?
- No. A Section 8 notice does not give a landlord authority to remove you. The landlord must apply to the county court and obtain a possession order, which can set a date to leave. If you remain, physical removal requires authorised court enforcement: ordinarily a county court bailiff on a warrant, or a High Court enforcement officer on a writ where lawfully transferred. Landlord self-help removal may engage Protection from Eviction Act 1977 offences.
- 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.