Form 3A: Notice seeking possession of a property let on an assured tenancy or an assured agricultural occupancy in the private rented sector
Form 3A is the prescribed section 8 notice a private landlord in England serves on a tenant to say they are seeking possession of the property and why.
This is the genuine Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government PDF, unmodified. Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government official page.
What is Form 3A?
Form 3A is made under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 as amended, and is for use in the private rented sector in England only. Landlords of social rented homes use Form 3 instead. The notice tells the tenant that the landlord intends to begin court proceedings for possession, sets out the grounds relied on, and gives the earliest date on which the landlord can apply to the court.
The form is written so the tenant can follow it. It explains that the tenant does not have to leave immediately, that only a court can order eviction, and that it is illegal for a landlord to force a tenant out, for example by changing the locks. It also carries sections on where to get advice, on rent arrears and problem debt, and on the Breathing Space moratorium under the Debt Respite Scheme.
Who files Form 3A?
- Private landlords in England seeking possession of a home let on an assured tenancy
- Licensors of an assured agricultural occupancy in the private sector
- Letting agents preparing and serving the notice for a landlord
- Landlords relying on grounds in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988, such as rent arrears or antisocial behaviour
How to fill out Form 3A
- In section 1, list the full names of all the tenants, including every tenant on a joint tenancy, and give the address of the property.
- Work out the minimum notice period for the grounds you are relying on, then enter in section 2 the earliest date you can begin court proceedings. Where you rely on more than one ground, use the longest notice period.
- In section 4, set out the possession grounds you rely on and explain why, using the full legal wording published with the form on gov.uk. Ticking the summary boxes is optional and does not replace this.
- Complete the remaining sections about the tenancy and the landlord, then sign and date the notice, by hand or electronically.
- Serve the completed notice on the tenant. It is not filed at court. If the tenant does not leave, the landlord applies to the court for a possession order once the notice period has expired.
Quick fill Form 3A on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open Form 3A in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
Is Form 3A the same as a section 21 notice?
No. Form 3A is the section 8 notice, which relies on specific possession grounds set out in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 and requires the landlord to explain why those grounds apply.
How long is the notice valid for?
The form states that the latest date the landlord can apply to the court is 12 months from the date the notice is served, after which the notice is no longer valid. That period can be extended if the tenant enters a Breathing Space moratorium.
Which form do I use for a council or housing association tenancy?
Form 3, the social rented sector version. Form 3A says clearly that it is for the private rented sector in England only.