Form 3A: the prescribed Section 8 possession notice
Every English landlord seeking possession after 1 May 2026 must use this form. Old templates are not valid.
Form 3A is the new prescribed notice for seeking possession of an assured tenancy under Section 8 in England. From 1 May 2026 it is the only valid form. Notices on the old template, or in letter form, will be thrown out.
The form has space for one or more grounds for possession. The grounds you cite drive the notice period and what you need to prove.
What you need
- The official Form 3A from gov.uk (always download the latest version).
- Full names of every tenant on the agreement.
- The full property address.
- The grounds for possession you are relying on (often more than one).
- The factual basis for each ground (e.g. arrears amount, breach details).
- The earliest date possession is sought, calculated from the longest applicable notice period.
Service rules
Form 3A must be served in a way the tenant has agreed to in writing or by methods set out in the tenancy agreement. First Class post with proof of posting, hand delivery with witness, and email (if explicitly permitted in the tenancy) are common methods.
After service
If the tenant does not leave by the date in the notice, the next step is a court possession claim. Form 3A is the gateway, not the eviction itself.
Common mistakes
- Wrong notice period for the cited grounds. Use the longest period among grounds cited.
- Missing tenant names. The notice must list every named tenant.
- Vague factual basis. The court expects specifics, not 'tenant has caused problems'.
- Forgetting to cite Ground 10 and 11 alongside Ground 8 for arrears. You lose your fallback.
- Service errors: hand delivery without proof, email service when not authorised, addresses out of date.
Source: gov.uk Guide to the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Last verified 2026-05-09. This page is informational, not legal advice. For complex disputes, consult a solicitor.