Notice periods for s.8 notices from 1 August 2021

Landlords may recall that a new notice under s.8 of the Housing Act 1988 came into force on 1 June 2020, which in the case of grounds 8, 10 and 11 provided for a notice period of 4 months, where the arrears were less than 4 months and 4 weeks where the arrears were more than 4 months.

Well, that notice is still in force. However, the notice made provision within its text to a change to the notice period for grounds 8, 10 and 11 from 1 August 2021.

From 1 August 2021:

(i) where there are less than 4 months’ arrears, the notice period is 2 months; and

(ii) where there are 4 months’ arrears or more, the notice period is still 4 weeks.

The notice periods are still subject to change where the ‘breathing space’ regulations are effective and in such a case landlords should seek professional advice.