Welcome to this week’s Renters Reform Bill update
Each week we provide clear, practical breakdowns of the latest changes so landlords, letting agents and tenants can stay informed.
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Mandatory Grounds for Possession Under the Renters Reform Bill
Occupation by the Landlord or Family Member
Landlord or a close family member intends to move in.
Property cannot be re-let for 12 months under a new tenancy after gaining possession.
Notice period: 4 months
Sale of the Property
Landlord intends to sell and must place the property on the market.
Property cannot be re-rented for 12 months after sale preparations start.
Notice period: minimum 4 months
🔗 See full guide: What are the new grounds under the Renter Reform Bill Act?
Sale Under Rent-to-Buy
Applicable when the landlord is a private registered provider of social housing and the tenancy is part of a rent-to-buy agreement.
Notice period: 4 months
Sale by Mortgagee
When lenders exercise their power of sale and require vacant possession.
Notice period: 4 months
Possession When a Superior Lease Ends
Can be used only by:
- Private registered providers of social housing
- Agricultural landlords
- Providers of supported accommodation
- Local-authority-owned companies
Notice period: 4 months
When a Superior Notice Ends
Notice period: 4 months
Possession by a Superior Landlord
Notice period: 4 months
Student Accommodation
Must be a specified educational establishment.
Notice period: 2 weeks
Properties Rented to Students for New Academic Year
Applies to HMOs let exclusively to full-time students.
Ground invalid if tenancy was agreed more than 6 months before move-in date.
Notice period: 4 months
Ministers of Religion
Notice period: 2 months
Occupation by Agricultural Worker
Notice period: 2 months
Occupation by Employee Meeting Employment Requirements
Notice period: 2 months
End of Employment by the Landlord
Notice period: 2 months
End of Employment Requirements
Notice period: 2 months
Supported Accommodation
Notice period: 4 weeks
Short-Term Supported Accommodation
Notice period: 4 weeks
Tenancy Granted for Homelessness Duties
Notice period: 4 weeks
“Stepping Stone” Accommodation
Notice period: 2 months
Redevelopment (Ground 6)
Landlord must prove the property needs demolition or substantial redevelopment which cannot happen with a tenant in situ.
Different time limits apply depending on case A or B.
Relevant social landlords must provide suitable alternative accommodation when relying on this ground.
Notice period: 4 months
Decant Accommodation
Notice period: 4 months
Compliance with Enforcement Action
Notice period: 4 months
Severe Anti-Social Behaviour / Criminal Behaviour
Landlords can begin possession proceedings immediately (no notice period).
No Right to Rent
Applied where tenants fail Right-to-Rent checks.
Notice period: 2 weeks
Rent Arrears
Tenant must be in at least 3 months (or 13 weeks) of arrears for weekly/fortnightly rents.
Notice period: 4 weeks
🔗 Related guidance: Repossession of your private rented home on or after 1st May
Discretionary Grounds
A separate set of discretionary grounds for possession also exists. We will outline these in next week’s update, so make sure you’re subscribed.
What This Means for Landlords
The new possession grounds will significantly reshape the rental market.
Longer notice periods, stricter conditions, and new compliance requirements mean landlords will need to plan ahead, particularly when selling or regaining possession.
🔗 See also: Government Updates Guidance on Charges During a Tenancy
Do You Need Rent Guarantee Insurance?
With changes coming, protection against rent arrears and tenancy breaches is more important than ever.
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