Residential Possession Proceedings Under Section 8 - Documents and Templates for Landlords

Recovering Possession After Serving A Section 8 Notice (England) 

If you have served your tenant with a Section 8 Notice and they do not leave the property voluntarily, or in some cases a court may have made an order for possession and the tenant remains in occupation, you will need to apply to the court for an order for possession.

This collection of documents is designed to guide residential landlords through the court process to regain possession of your property lawfully, correctly, and professionally. 

What These Documents Cover

This extensive range of material includes: 

• Clear guidance notes explaining the Section 8 possession procedure 
• Professionally drafted notices, court forms and template letters 
• Practical assistance with issuing a court claim 
• Templates to assist with court applications and enforcement, including Warrant of Possession 

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 - Important Changes 

New legislation has significantly changed  how landlords in England can recover possession of residential property. 

The first phase of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, effective from 1st May 2026, alters the way landlords must approach possession claims. 

For guidance on the Renters' Rights Act and the implementation dates, please see: Guidance: Renters’ Rights Act for Residential Landlords and Renters’ Rights Act: Implementation Timeline. 

Abolition of Section 21 Notices and the Accelerated  Procedure

From 1st May 2026, landlords can no longer:

• Serve a Section 21 Notice; or 
• Use the accelerated possession procedure 

Instead, landlords must seek to rely on revised grounds of possession under Section 8 of The Housing Act 1988.  It is essential that landlords follow the correct procedure. Failure to do so may expose landlords to claims for harassment or unlawful eviction. 

When These Templates Are Not Suitable 

These templates should not be used for:

• Tenancies that are licences
• Commercial lettings
• Tenancies where the annual rent exceeds £100,000
• Properties in Wales subject to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Please see: Renting Homes Wales

Why You Should Download These Templates

These professionally drafted templates are designed to help landlords:

• Apply to the court for a possession order 
• Complete and understand the relevant court forms 
• Write to tenants following a possession hearing 
• Applying to the court for a Warrant of Possession is enforcement is required

Using the correct documents at each stage helps reduce errors, delays and the risk of claims against you. 

Please select from the options below for your circumstances: 

• Guidance Notes: Possession Procedure for Rent Arrears (Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988)
• Guidance on Section 8 Notices
• Section 8 Notice Seeking Possession (England)
• Letter Enclosing Landlord’s Section 8 Notice
• Form N5 Claim Form - Guidance on Completing Claim for Possession of Residential Property
• Form N119A - Notes for Guidance on Completing Particulars of Claim Form
• Schedule of Rent Arrears for Possession Claim
• Letter to County Court Enclosing Forms N5 and Form N119
• Form N11R Tenant Defence Form
• Notice to Tenant Regarding Fixing a Date for Possession
• Use Form N244 For Application Notice to Fix a Date for Possession
• Letter to Tenant Requiring Possession under Outright Possession Order
• Letter to Tenant Requiring Compliance with Suspended Possession Order
• Letter to Tenant Requiring Compliance with Postponed Possession Order
• Form N325 Request for Warrant of Possession of Land
• Letter to County Court Enclosing Form N325 Warrant Request
• Form N325A Request for Warrant of Possession of Land (SPO)
• Statement of Payments Due and Made under SPO
• Letter to Court Enclosing Form N325A Warrant Request (SPO)
• Letter to Tenant Regarding Money Judgment for Rent Arrears
• Form N316 Court Form for Questioning Tenant Debtor
• Form N323 Court Form Requesting Warrant of Control to Recover Debt
• Form N337 Court Form Requesting Attachment of Earnings Order
• Form N349 Court Application Form for Third Party Debt Order

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