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What is Ground 1A (selling)?
Last verified 31 October 2026
Ground 1A is the mandatory possession ground that a landlord can use if they intend to sell the property. It was introduced for tenancies in England under the Renters' Rights Act, and the court must award possession if the ground is proved.
Why it matters to landlords
You cannot ask a tenant to leave for this reason within the first 12 months of a new tenancy. You can serve notice during that period, but the notice cannot expire before the 12 months have ended, so you may need to give more than 4 months' notice. The standard notice period is 4 months.
You cannot use Ground 1A where the tenant has a pre-1 May 2026 assured tenancy that was not an assured shorthold tenancy, and most social landlords cannot use it. For most grounds you must also show the deposit was protected and the prescribed information given. Keep evidence of your intention to sell. The ground applies in England, and other nations have their own grounds.
Example
Imogen's tenant moved in on 1 June 2026. She decides to sell and serves notice on Ground 1A on 1 December 2026, giving 4 months. The notice would expire on 1 April 2027, but the first 12 months run to 1 June 2027, so the notice cannot expire until after that date.