Section 8 Ground 5: property required for a minister of religion
Direct answer
Ground 5 is a narrow mandatory possession ground that allows a religious-body landlord to recover a property held for occupation by a minister of religion. It is rarely encountered in the private rented sector, and like Ground 2 it depends on the tenant having been told in writing before the tenancy that this ground might be used.
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 Section 21 validity guides.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind legacy Section 21 notice rules, see legacy Section 21 checker before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with section 13 rent increase rules, check rent rise checker to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of landlord repair duties, use landlord repairs checker for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with Section 21 transition rules so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.
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Common questions
- Does Ground 5 apply to any property owned by a religious body?
- No. Only to properties held for occupation by a minister of religion as a residence from which to perform their duties. A general buy-to-let owned by a religious organisation but not designated for ministerial use is not within Ground 5.
- Does a Ground 5 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.