Ground 17 addresses application fraud. Prove tenant made material false statement to obtain tenancy.
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Ground 17 is a discretionary possession ground when the tenant (or guarantor) made a false statement that induced you to grant the tenancy. The statement must be material (would have affected your decision to let) and knowingly false or recklessly made. Common examples: false employment/income, fake references, concealing pets or occupants, false rental history. From May 2026, you need evidence the statement was false, material, and you relied on it. Notice period is 4 weeks.
Original tenancy application showing the false statement
Evidence the statement was false (contrary documentation)
Proof you relied on the statement when deciding to let
Reference check records or other due diligence
Evidence the statement was material (affected your decision)
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 17: False Statement:
All information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for specific legal guidance.
Ground 17 is a discretionary possession ground when the tenant or their guarantor made a false statement that induced you to grant the tenancy. The statement must be knowingly false or recklessly made, material to your decision, and you must have relied on it. Common examples: false income, fake references, concealing pets, false employment. Tribunals decide if possession is reasonable.
Material false statements that affected your letting decision: false income/employment details, fake references (landlord or employer), concealing pets or additional occupants, false rental history (claiming good tenant when evicted previously), fake identity, or false credit information. Minor inaccuracies (e.g., slightly wrong move-in date) are not enough - must be material.
Show the statement was important to your decision. Example: tenant claimed income of £40k (meeting your 2.5x rent requirement) but actually earned £25k - you would not have accepted them. Or: tenant said no pets but has 3 dogs, and your policy is no pets. Material = would have changed your decision if you knew the truth.
Harder, but possible. If you show you reasonably relied on the statement without verification (e.g., normal practice to accept verbal employment confirmation), tribunals may accept Ground 17. But if you made no attempt to verify an obviously important statement, tribunals may find you were not induced by it (you didn't rely on it).
Discretionary ground when property needed for minister of religion
Discretionary ground for charity to redevelop property
Mandatory ground when tenant has no right to rent due to immigration status
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