Does a full refurbishment count?

The test is whether the works are major and cannot reasonably be done with the tenant living there. A rewire with floors and walls open throughout may qualify; redecoration will not.

Can I use Ground 6 if I bought the property with the tenant in it?

Generally not. The conditions on the form's Ground 6 table set out the exceptions; the wizard asks how you came to own the property.

Do I need planning permission first?

The ground needs a real intention and works that need the property empty, not a granted permission. Permission or detailed plans are strong evidence if the tenant does not leave.

Redevelopment or major works

A landlord who intends to demolish or rebuild the property, or carry out major works that cannot reasonably be done with the tenant living there, serves a Section 8 notice on Form 3A citing Ground 6. If you prove it, the court must order possession. The notice period is four months and the conditions are detailed.

The form is free. Serving it right is the hard part: see what PostRight checks

Serve a Section 8 notice for redevelopment

What Ground 6 needs

You must intend to demolish or rebuild all or a substantial part of the property, or carry out major works on it or the building it is part of, and the works must be ones that cannot reasonably be done with the tenant in occupation. A landlord who bought the property with the tenant already in it generally cannot use Ground 6. The full conditions are set out in a table on the form; the wizard prints that table with the notice on a continuation sheet.

Evidence

Plans, quotes and any planning permission. Redecoration or a new kitchen on its own is not enough; the works must be the kind that need the property empty.

The notice period

Four months, plus a margin for delivery, from the day the notice is posted. The notice lasts twelve months.

Two things to check first

Deposit protected with the deposit paperwork given; an address in England or Wales given to the tenant for notices. The wizard checks both.

What PostRight does

Form 3A is free on GOV.UK. PostRight fills it in from your answers, including the Ground 6 continuation sheet, works out the dates, prints it, posts it Tracked 24 and emails your certificate of service. From £29.99. PostRight is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.