TLDR
After Section 21 ends, landlords must rely on possession grounds to regain control of their property. This guide explains the new mandatory grounds, how they affect selling blocks of flats, and what landlords should do next.
What’s in This Article
What possession grounds replace Section 21
Mandatory possession grounds explained
Risks for landlords selling property
Selling blocks without using possession grounds
FAQs
Next steps
What Are Possession Grounds
Possession grounds are legal reasons a landlord must prove to regain possession of a rented property. Once Section 21 is abolished, landlords can no longer evict without cause.
Every eviction must now be based on a specific ground and supported with evidence. This significantly changes how landlords plan sales, especially for blocks of flats with multiple tenants.
Mandatory Possession Grounds Explained
Mandatory possession grounds mean that if the landlord proves the ground, the court must grant possession.
Possession Grounds for Selling
Ground 1A allows possession if the landlord intends to sell the entire property.
To use this ground:
The landlord must genuinely intend to sell
Four months’ notice must be given
All compliance records must be in order
After using this ground, the landlord cannot re let the property for twelve months.
Other Mandatory Possession Grounds
These include:
Serious rent arrears
Persistent anti social behaviour
Criminal activity linked to the tenancy
Each ground requires strong evidence and proper documentation.
Risks of Relying on Possession Grounds
Possession Grounds and Delays
Even mandatory grounds take time. Tenants may challenge claims, and courts remain under pressure. Possession can take many months, sometimes over a year.
Possession Grounds and Block Sales
In a block of flats, tenants may be on different tenancy cycles. Using possession grounds for each unit can create long delays and uneven vacancy, which often reduces buyer interest.
Selling Without Using Possession Grounds
Selling with tenants in place is becoming the most practical option. Many buyers are comfortable acquiring blocks that are fully occupied.
Citywide Blocks buys properties:
With tenants in situ
With arrears
With mixed compliance
Without serving possession grounds
This avoids court delays, notice periods, and legal risk.
When Possession Grounds Are Not the Right Choice
Possession grounds may not be suitable if:
You need to sell quickly
Tenants are vulnerable or likely to challenge
Compliance records are incomplete
Cash flow cannot support long delays
In these cases, a direct sale is often the safest route.
FAQs
Are possession grounds guaranteed to work
Only if the landlord meets all conditions and provides evidence.
How long do possession cases take
They can take several months or longer.
Can I sell without evicting tenants
Yes. Citywide Blocks buys blocks with tenants in place.
Next Steps for Landlords
The shift to possession grounds changes how landlords exit property investments. If you want to avoid eviction delays or uncertainty, Citywide Blocks offers a fast, private route to sale.
Call 0113 323 0678 for a free valuation and confidential discussion.
