What if the sale falls through?

The re-let ban still runs for twelve months from the date in the notice. Serving Ground 1A without a real intention to sell is what the penalties are aimed at.

Do I need to prove I am selling?

If the tenant does not leave and you apply to court, you will need to show your intention to sell. Keep your estate agent's instructions and any correspondence.

Selling the Property

Since 1 May 2026 there is no Section 21. A landlord who wants to sell with the property empty serves a Section 8 notice on Form 3A citing Ground 1A. If you prove the ground the court must order possession, but the conditions are strict and getting one wrong means starting again.

Serve a Section 8 notice to sell Upload a PDFFrom £49.99

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

Form 3A

Works on any computer, tablet or phone

What Ground 1A Needs

You must intend to sell the property. The date in the notice cannot fall within the first twelve months of the tenancy, counted from when it started. The notice period is four months.

The Re-Let Ban

If you serve on Ground 1A and the tenant leaves, you cannot let or advertise the property to let for twelve months after the date in the notice. A landlord who does can be fined by the council and the tenant may be able to claim rent back. The wizard shows you this warning before you select the ground.

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

The deposit must be protected with the deposit paperwork given. The tenant must have been given an address in England or Wales for serving notices on you. The wizard checks both before you sign.

What PostRight Does

Form 3A is free to download from GOV.UK. PostRight fills it in from your answers, works out the dates, prints it, posts it to each tenant by Royal Mail Tracked 24 and emails you a certificate of service and statement of posting. From £49.99. PostRight is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.

Form 3A

From£49.99per notice

Serve a Section 8 notice to sell Upload a PDF

Printed & posted Royal Mail Tracked 24
Certificate of service included

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The date in the notice must be at least twelve months after the tenancy started. The wizard checks this from the start date you enter.

Related Situations

Landlord Notices, Filled In and Posted

See your notice before you pay. Sign before 2.30pm on a working day and it is posted that day.