Restrictions may apply, so it is important to be certain before serving notice.
How This Affects Your Rental Property
- Ground 1 can be used if the landlord or a close family member intends to move in
- Ground 1A can be used where the landlord intends to sell the property
- A minimum of four months’ notice must be given
- Tenants cannot be required to leave within the first 12 months of the tenancy
- Notice can be served earlier, but possession cannot take effect until after 12 months
- This means timing is critical when planning to sell or move back into your property.
Key Points To Be Aware Of
- A 12-month protected period applies at the start of every tenancy
- You can serve notice during this period, but cannot gain possession until it ends
- A minimum four-month notice period must always be given
- Strong evidence is required to support the reason for possession
- Failure to follow the correct timing or process may delay possession or result in the notice being invalid.
Important Restrictions
- If using Ground 1, the property must genuinely be occupied by the landlord or a qualifying family member
- If using Ground 1A, the property must genuinely be intended for sale
- Once notice is served, restrictions apply to re-letting the property
- If plans change, this may impact when the property can be re-let
- This means these grounds must be used with clear intent and careful planning.
