It is essential for every landlord to follow the correct legal eviction procedures to avoid the risk of prosecution, financial penalties, or loss of property rights. In many cases, using the accelerated possession procedure — also known as an accelerated possession order — offers a cost-effective and efficient way to evict tenants in Halifax and regain possession of your property.

Once a Section 21 notice has been properly served and the two-month notice period has expired, landlords can apply to the court for a possession order. In most cases, the judge can grant this order based solely on the submitted paperwork, without the need for a court hearing.

At Total Eviction, we understand that evicting a tenant can be stressful and complex. Our team of experienced Eviction Solicitors provides expert legal advice, guidance, and full representation to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

We offer comprehensive support at every stage of the process — from serving notices to obtaining and enforcing possession orders. With our tailored approach and deep understanding of landlord and tenant law, you can be confident that your case is handled with professionalism, efficiency, and care.

For more information about our services, or to find out exactly where you stand and the range of options available call us today on freephone
0330 122 6079

Ground 1 – occupation by landlord or family: This ground applies where you or a close family member intend to move into the property, but cannot be used within the first 12 months of a new tenancy. You must give at least 4 months’ notice, which cannot expire within the first year, before applying to court for possession.

Ground 1A – sale of dwelling house: This ground applies where you intend to sell the property, but not within the first 12 months of a new tenancy, and does not apply to older assured tenancies or most social landlords. You must give at least 4 months’ notice, which cannot expire within the first year.

Ground 1B – sale of dwelling house that is part of Rent to Buy: This ground applies to PRPs where a tenant declines the option to purchase a Rent to Buy property at the end of the scheme. You must give at least 4 months’ notice before applying to court for possession.

Ground 2 – sale by mortgagee: This ground allows a lender to seek possession to sell the property where mortgage payments are in arrears. At least 4 months’ notice must be given before applying to court.

Ground 2ZA – possession when superior lease ends: This ground applies where a superior lease is ending within 12 months and you are an eligible landlord such as an agricultural landlord, supported housing provider, or PRP. You must give at least 4 months’ notice before applying to court for possession.

Ground 2ZB – possession when fixed term superior lease ends: This ground applies where a fixed-term superior lease of over 21 years has ended, will end, or is not being renewed within 12 months. You must give at least 4 months’ notice before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 2ZC – possession by superior landlord: After a superior lease ends, the superior landlord can seek possession where the property was sublet under an assured tenancy by an eligible landlord such as an agricultural, supported housing, council-owned, or PRP landlord.

Ground 2ZD – possession by superior landlord (fixed term): This ground applies where a fixed-term superior lease of over 21 years has expired and the freeholder becomes the direct landlord. The superior landlord may apply for possession within 6 months of reversion. At least 4 months’ notice must be given before applying to court.

Ground 4 – student accommodation: This ground can only be used by universities or colleges for purpose-built student accommodation, where the property was let to students within the 12 months before the tenancy began. At least 2 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 4A – properties rented to students for occupation by new students: This ground applies to HMOs with at least 3 tenants from more than one household, used for full-time student lets between 1 June and 30 September. It cannot be used if the tenancy was agreed more than 6 months before it began and requires prior notice of intention to rely on the ground. A minimum of 4 months’ notice must be given before applying to court.

Ground 5 – ministers of religion: This ground applies where a property is normally used to house a minister of religion and is required again for that purpose. You must give at least 2 months’ notice before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 5A – occupation by agricultural worker: This ground applies where the property is required to house an employed or self-employed agricultural worker for farm or land-based operations. You must give at least 2 months’ notice before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 5B – occupation by person who meets employment requirements: This ground applies only to PRPs where housing is allocated based on employment criteria and the current tenant no longer meets the required conditions. A minimum of 2 months’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 5C – end of employment by the landlord: This ground applies only to PRPs where housing is allocated based on employment criteria and the current tenant no longer meets the required employment conditions. A minimum of 2 months’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 5D – end of employment requirements: This ground applies only to PRPs of social housing where the tenancy is tied to specific employment criteria such as key worker status, and from 2027 can be used where the tenant no longer meets those conditions. A minimum of 2 months’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 5E – occupation as supported accommodation: This ground applies where a property normally used for supported accommodation is currently let to private tenants and the landlord wishes to return it to its intended use, provided it meets the legal definition under the Renters’ Rights Act. At least 4 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 5F – dwelling-house occupied as supported accommodation: This ground applies where a supported accommodation arrangement can no longer continue — for example where support has ended, funding has stopped, or the tenant’s needs have changed — and the accommodation meets the legal definition under the Renters’ Rights Act. At least 4 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 5G – tenancy granted for homelessness duty: This ground applies where the property was used as temporary accommodation under local authority homelessness duties and the council has confirmed it is no longer required. Action must be taken within 12 months of that notification. At least 4 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court, served within the 12-month timeframe.

Ground 5H – occupation as stepping stone accommodation: This ground applies only to Registered Providers of social housing or charities where the tenancy was granted under specific eligibility criteria at a rent below 80% of market value, designed to support transition into independent living. It can be used where the tenant no longer meets the eligibility criteria or the agreed support period has ended. A minimum of 2 months’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 6 – redevelopment: This ground applies where the property needs to be redeveloped or demolished and cannot be occupied during the works. It generally cannot be used within the first 6 months of a tenancy. You must give at least 4 months’ notice before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 6A – decant accommodation: This ground applies to relevant social landlords where a tenant was moved into alternative accommodation due to redevelopment of their previous home and suitable alternative accommodation is now available. You must give at least 4 months’ notice before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 6B – compliance with enforcement action: This ground applies where a landlord is subject to enforcement action following findings of legal breaches relating to the property. The court may also order compensation to the tenant. You must give at least 4 months’ notice before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 7 – death of tenant: This ground applies where a tenancy is inherited by someone who was not living in the property immediately before the tenant’s death, and cannot be used where a spouse, civil partner, or cohabitee automatically succeeds to the tenancy. Proceedings must generally begin within 12 months of the death. A minimum of 2 months’ notice must be given before applying to court.

Ground 7A – severe antisocial or criminal behaviour: This ground applies where a tenant, household member, or visitor has been convicted of serious criminal conduct, breached an antisocial behaviour order, or a closure order has been issued for more than 48 hours. No notice period is required, but the court cannot make a possession order within 14 days of the tenant being formally notified.

Ground 7B – no right to rent: This ground applies where a tenant is found to have no legal right to rent under UK immigration law, typically following notification by the Secretary of State. At least 2 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 8 – rent arrears: This ground applies where a tenant owes at least 3 months’ rent (monthly) or 13 weeks’ rent (weekly/fortnightly), with arrears existing both at the time of serving notice and at the court hearing. If arrears fall below the threshold before the hearing, the ground will no longer apply. A minimum of 4 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order.

Ground 9 – suitable alternative accommodation: This ground applies where the tenant has been offered suitable alternative accommodation that meets their needs and is reasonable in terms of location, affordability, and size. It is often used where rehousing options are available and the current tenancy is no longer required. A minimum of 2 months’ notice must be given before applying to the court for a possession order to evict the tenant.

Ground 10 – any rent arrears: This ground can be used where a tenant is in rent arrears but does not meet the higher threshold required under mandatory grounds. It applies even where the arrears are lower than 3 months’ rent, allowing landlords to take action earlier.
The court will only grant possession if it considers it reasonable in the circumstances, taking into account both parties’ situations. A minimum of 4 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order to evict the tenant.

Ground 11 – persistent arrears: This ground applies where a tenant has a history of consistently paying rent late, even if they are not currently in significant arrears. It focuses on the pattern of behaviour rather than the total amount owed. The court will only grant possession if it considers it reasonable in all the circumstances. A minimum of 4 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order to evict the tenant.

Ground 12 – breach of tenancy: This ground applies where a tenant has breached one or more terms of the tenancy agreement, excluding rent arrears. Examples may include unauthorised occupation, misuse of the property, or failure to comply with tenancy conditions. It is a discretionary ground, meaning the court will only grant possession if it considers it reasonable in the circumstances. A minimum of 2 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order to evict the tenant.

Ground 13 – deterioration of property: This ground applies where a tenant has caused or allowed the condition of the property to significantly worsen through neglect or misuse. It may include damage, poor upkeep, or failure to maintain reasonable cleanliness standards.
It is a discretionary ground, meaning the court will only grant possession if it considers it reasonable in the circumstances. A minimum of 2 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to court for a possession order to evict the tenant.

Ground 14 – antisocial behaviour: This ground applies where a tenant, household member, or visitor engages in anti-social behaviour or commits serious offences, including conduct occurring near the property. The behaviour does not need to take place inside the home for this ground to apply. No notice period is required before applying to court, allowing proceedings to begin immediately. However, the court cannot make a possession order within 14 days of the tenant being given notice of the claim.

Ground 14A – domestic abuse: This ground applies only to social landlords where a tenant has carried out domestic abuse and the victim has left the property and is unlikely to return. It is used to protect victims and allow safe recovery of the property. A minimum of 2 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to the court for a possession order to evict the tenant.

Ground 15 – deterioration of furniture: This ground applies where a tenant has caused or allowed furnished items provided with the tenancy to become damaged or significantly worse due to neglect or misuse. It covers situations where furniture supplied by the landlord is not being properly cared for. It is a discretionary ground, meaning the court will only grant possession if it considers it reasonable in all the circumstances. A minimum of 2 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to the court for a possession order to evict the tenant.

Ground 17 – false statement: This ground applies where a tenant, or someone acting on their behalf, obtained the tenancy by providing false or misleading information. This could include lying on an application form or withholding relevant information to secure the property. It is a discretionary ground, meaning the court will only grant possession if it considers it reasonable in all the circumstances. A minimum of 2 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to the court for a possession order to evict the tenant.

Ground 18 – supported accommodation: This ground applies where a tenant is living in supported accommodation that meets the legal definition under the Renters’ Rights Act and is not engaging with or cooperating with the support provided. It is used where continued occupation is no longer appropriate due to the breakdown of the support arrangement. A minimum of 4 weeks’ notice must be given before applying to the court for a possession order to evict the tenant.