What is Ground 1A — can my landlord evict me to sell the property?

Yes, your landlord can evict you to sell the property — but only if they follow strict rules. Ground 1A is the new legal reason (ground) they must use under Section 8 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

To use Ground 1A, your landlord must genuinely intend to sell the property. They must give you at least four months' notice. And critically, they cannot use Ground 1A if your tenancy started less than 12 months ago — you are protected for the first year.

There's also a 12-month ban after they've used Ground 1A: if they evict you to sell, they cannot then re-let the property for at least 12 months from the date the notice was served. This stops landlords faking a sale just to get a new tenant at a higher rent.

If your landlord serves a Ground 1A notice before your tenancy is 12 months old, it is not valid. You do not have to leave.

If you receive a notice claiming Ground 1A, check the date your tenancy started. If it's less than 12 months ago, contact Shelter England at shelter.org.uk — this is a clear challenge you can make.