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I've been given a section 8 notice. Do I have to leave by the date on it?Beta*

Notices, leaving and eviction
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Private renting in England since the Renters' Rights Act 2025, unless the question says otherwise. General information, not legal advice.

No. A section 8 notice is the landlord saying they intend to apply to court. It isn't an order to leave. Only a court can order you out, and only a bailiff can remove you. The notice must use the official form, give legal grounds, and allow the right amount of notice for each ground. That is at least four months for selling or moving in, which can't be used in the first 12 months of the tenancy, and four weeks for serious rent arrears. Some grounds are mandatory, meaning the court must agree if they are proved. Others are discretionary, meaning the court decides whether it's reasonable. Check the notice carefully and get advice quickly, because there may be a defence.

On this site: Section 8 notice checker

Sources: Shelter: section 8 evictionGOV.UK: Guide to the Renters' Rights Act

More on notices, leaving and eviction

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Savvy Renter — savvyrenter.co.uk · free tools for renters. Answers checked 15 October 2026. The full list is also published as faq.json.
* Beta: new page, not yet reviewed by a housing adviser. General information, not legal advice.