Ground 7A targets persistent late payment. Prove a pattern of arrears to gain possession.
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Ground 7A (introduced by Renters' Rights Act 2025, effective May 2026) is a new mandatory possession ground for repeated rent arrears. Unlike Ground 8 (which requires 3 months' arrears at hearing), Ground 7A focuses on a pattern of arrears over time, even if arrears are cleared before the hearing. This prevents tenants from deliberately delaying rent until just before court. You must prove arrears occurred at specific times (details in regulations). Tribunals must grant possession if the pattern is proven. Notice period is 4 weeks.
Complete rent ledger for entire tenancy showing payment patterns
Evidence of arrears at required notice dates (per regulations)
Payment records showing when arrears occurred and were cleared
Notice of seeking possession (minimum 4 weeks)
Arrears history showing repeated pattern
Communication records about late payments
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 7A: Repeated Rent Arrears:
All information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for specific legal guidance.
Ground 7A is a new mandatory possession ground (from May 2026) for tenants who repeatedly fall into rent arrears, even if they catch up before the hearing. It targets persistent late payment patterns, preventing tenants from gaming the system by clearing arrears just before court. If you prove the required pattern, the tribunal must grant possession.
Ground 8 requires 3+ months' arrears at both notice and hearing dates. Ground 7A requires a pattern of arrears over time, even if cleared before the hearing. Ground 7A is useful when tenants repeatedly fall behind but pay just enough to stay under 3 months, or clear arrears before hearings.
The exact pattern is defined in regulations (published in 2026). Generally, you need to show arrears occurred at multiple specific points over a defined period (e.g., arrears in 3 of the last 6 months). Check the final regulations for precise thresholds. Your rent ledger must clearly show when arrears occurred and were cleared.
No. Unlike Ground 8, Ground 7A looks at the historical pattern of arrears, not just the current situation. Once you serve notice citing Ground 7A with evidence of the required pattern, paying on time afterwards does not invalidate the ground. This prevents last-minute payments to avoid eviction.
Mandatory possession ground for 3+ months rent arrears
Discretionary ground for persistent late or non-payment of rent
Discretionary ground for consistently late rent payments
Discretionary ground for persistent late rent (Assured Shorthold only)
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