Section 8 Ground 7A: serious anti-social behaviour
Direct answer
Ground 7A is a narrow mandatory ground that applies only where there has been a qualifying conviction, closure order, or breach of an injunction or criminal behaviour order. It is not a general anti-social-behaviour ground — for broader ASB without a conviction or order, the landlord must use the discretionary Ground 14.
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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Common questions
- Is Ground 7A used for general nuisance or noise complaints?
- No. Ground 7A only applies where there has been a qualifying conviction, closure order, or breach of an injunction. For ordinary nuisance, harassment, or noise complaints, the landlord must use the discretionary Ground 14.
- What is a 'closure order'?
- A closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 is an order by a magistrates' court closing premises associated with persistent or serious nuisance, disorder, or criminal behaviour.
- Does a Ground 7A 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.