I owe rent arrears - can I stop a Ground 8 eviction?

Direct answer

Possibly. The strongest Ground 8 defence is to bring your arrears below the statutory threshold by the hearing date, this defeats the mandatory ground.

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 notice validity outcome guides before you respond.
• If this issue overlaps with legacy Section 21 notice rules, check tenant rights guide to compare the legal tests.
• For a fuller breakdown of deposit protection and deduction disputes, use tenancy deposit prescribed information rules for the underlying rule set.
• If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with answers for tenants in England so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.

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• Deposit amount and address in prescribed information
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• 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.