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The Section 8 playbook

NEW - Playbook

The Section 8 playbook: Arrears, breaches and landlord plans

Every possession claim now needs a reason.

Section 8 is the only legal route to possession. Pick the wrong ground or turn up without evidence, and your landlord’s claim falls apart.

David Smith

Key takeaways

What you'll gain from the playbook

Know which ground applies
Know which ground applies

Match each situation to the right ground, from a landlord selling up to serious rent arrears.

Get the timing right
Get the timing right

Avoid the notice periods and restrictions that catch agents and landlords out.

Protect arrears claims
Protect arrears claims

Serve the grounds that keep your landlord covered and prove persistent arrears.

Build evidence that stands up
Build evidence that stands up

Know which records you need before the notice goes out, not after.

Deal with breaches early
Deal with breaches early

Tackle breaches and property damage before they turn into possession cases.

Your process to get there
Your process to get there

A step-by-step framework for handling possession consistently across your portfolio.

The context

Section 8 is the only legal route left to possession

For years, Section 21 gave landlords a simple way to get their property back. No reason needed.

Since the Renters’ Rights Act, that option is gone. Every possession claim now relies on Section 8, which means submitting the right ground, the right evidence, and the right timing. Get any of it wrong, and your landlord faces delays, failed claims, and thousands of pounds in lost rental income.

Leading property solicitor, David Smith, breaks down the grounds agents will use most: landlords moving in or selling, rent arrears, and tenancy breaches. Alongside his analysis, you’ll find a practical process your team can apply to every case.

The expert

About David Smith 

David Smith is a leading property solicitor who writes about the Renters’ Rights Act. In this playbook, he breaks down the Section 8 grounds that come up most in day-to-day property management, and what they actually mean for agents and landlords in practice

David Smith headshot

Section 21 is gone. Get Section 8 right the first time

Rent arrears, tenancy breaches, and landlords moving in or selling. David Smith covers the grounds your team will use most, plus a step-by-step process for every possession case.