Possession for rent arrears

Rent arrears: Ground 8 and the ledger that proves it

Since 1 May 2026, Ground 8 needs at least three months’ rent owed, when the notice is served and again at the hearing, and four weeks’ notice.

The rent ledger is what proves it.

Three months is the line

Ground 8 is mandatory when at least three months’ rent is owed, both when the notice is served and at the hearing.

Read the detail

Below that, the arrears grounds are discretionary and the court may let the tenant stay.

Four weeks’ notice

The rent arrears grounds carry four weeks’ notice, up from two on 1 May 2026.

The ledger is the evidence

Arrears are proved by a rent account showing each amount due and each amount paid, with dates.

Reconcile the ledger

Every payment matched to the rent it paid, with its date.

Check which grounds apply

Ground 8 at three months; Grounds 10 and 11 for lower or persistent arrears.

Serve with the right notice

Four weeks for the arrears grounds, and keep proof of service.

Where it sits

Rules summarised from the government’s Renters’ Rights Act overview for landlords (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renters-rights-act-an-overview-for-landlords), published 1 May 2026. This is not legal advice; where a tenancy is unusual, take advice.

LetBuddy keeps the rent ledger and flags which of Grounds 8, 10 and 11 the arrears figure meets. It does not serve notices or file claims.

Common questions

How much rent must be owed for Ground 8?

Three months’ rent, for a court to be required to give possession.

What if it’s less than three months?

You can rely on the discretionary grounds, but the court may decide the tenant can stay.

What notice period applies?

Four weeks for the rent arrears grounds.

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