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Problem tenant · your options
You have a route — strengthen your evidence first
The right route is Ground 7A — serious antisocial or criminal behaviour (and Ground 14). You can apply to court straight away, but no order is made within 14 days of the notice.
Where: England · Problem: Serious criminal behaviour · Evidence: Some — a few messages or photos
Build your evidence first
- Even mandatory grounds have to be proved — gather the evidence before you serve.
- Keep a dated log of incidents, photos and videos, messages, and statements from neighbours. Report incidents to the police or council and note the reference numbers.
- Send the tenant a clear written warning referring to the tenancy terms, and keep a copy.
Your ground and notice period
- Ground 7A — serious antisocial or criminal behaviour (and Ground 14) (mandatory (7a)). Usually depends on a conviction or court order; take advice on which conditions are met. Ground 14 is often added as well.
- Notice: You can apply to court straight away, but no order is made within 14 days of the notice.
- Use the current Form 3A, write the ground out in full, name every tenant and keep proof of service. You can add other grounds that apply (for example rent arrears) — the longest notice period applies.
Don't do this
- Don't change the locks, remove belongings, cut off utilities or harass the tenant. That's unlawful eviction and can be a criminal offence.
Your route from here
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1
Gather and organise evidence
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2
Written warning to the tenant
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3
Serve Section 8 (Form 3A)
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4
Possession claim and hearing
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5
Bailiffs if needed
Rather not go to court?
You can sell a property with the tenant still in it to an investor buyer — no court case needed.
See my selling optionsSources: GOV.UK: repossessing your property after 1 May 2026 · NRLA: Section 8 notices. Checked 31 Oct 2026. General information, not legal advice.