Ground 14A covers criminal convictions. Prove conviction for offence affecting you, property, or locality.
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Ground 14A is a discretionary possession ground when the tenant (or household member) has been convicted of a serious offence affecting the landlord, their family, other property occupants, or persons in the locality. This includes violent offences, drug offences, or other crimes impacting the community. From May 2026, tribunals assess seriousness and impact. Notice period is 4 weeks.
Court conviction records
Details of the offence and sentence
Evidence offence affected landlord, property, or locality
Police reports or crime reference numbers
Impact statements from affected parties
Notice of seeking possession (minimum 4 weeks)
Why this matters: Missing or incomplete evidence can lead to case dismissal, costing months of unpaid rent and legal fees. Tribunals require clear, organized documentation that proves all requirements are met.
4 weeks
Minimum required
Section 8 Notice
Notice of Seeking Possession
Hand delivered or first-class post
Proof of service required
Use Locastica to gather and organize the evidence typically needed for Ground 14A: Conviction for Serious Offence:
All information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for specific legal guidance.
Ground 14A is a discretionary possession ground when the tenant or a household member is convicted of a serious offence affecting the landlord, their family, other occupants, or people in the locality. Examples: violent crimes, drug dealing, theft from landlord or neighbours. The tribunal decides if possession is reasonable based on offence seriousness and impact.
Serious offences affecting relevant parties: violence, drug dealing, theft, criminal damage, harassment, hate crimes, sexual offences. Must affect: (1) landlord or landlord's family, (2) other property occupants, or (3) persons in the locality. Minor unrelated offences (e.g., shoplifting far from property) may not qualify. Tribunals assess seriousness and connection to housing.
Yes. Ground 14A requires a criminal conviction. You cannot use it based on charges or arrests alone. If offence is ongoing but no conviction yet, consider Ground 14 (antisocial behaviour) instead. Once convicted, Ground 14A provides stronger grounds as it's based on proven criminal conduct.
Unlikely to succeed. Ground 14A typically applies to offences during the tenancy that affect the landlord or locality. If the tenant committed offences before moving in and you knew (or should have known) during referencing, tribunals may find possession unreasonable (you accepted them knowing their history). Historical unknown offences discovered later may be considered.
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