Why it matters
What Schedule 2 (Housing Act 1988 Possession Grounds) means for a landlord
Schedule 2 is the list every possession claim now runs through. The split between mandatory and discretionary grounds decides your risk: on a mandatory ground the court has no choice if you prove it, while on a discretionary one it weighs reasonableness, which is where a poor repair record or a lapsed certificate does real damage. Notice periods run from four months (Grounds 1, 1A, 2, 6 and 6A) to none (Grounds 7A and 14), so the ground you choose shapes your timetable as much as your chances.
Worked example
How it plays out
Kim’s tenant in Hull has repeatedly paid late and damaged a door. Kim relies on Ground 8, because arrears are over three months’ rent, Ground 11 for persistent late payment and Ground 13 for the damage. If the tenant pays the arrears down before the hearing, Ground 8 fails, but the court can still consider Grounds 11 and 13 and decide whether possession is reasonable.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Adding grounds with no evidence behind them.
- 02Giving a notice period that does not suit every ground named.
- 03Relying on a discretionary ground without showing why possession is reasonable.
What to do
A short checklist
- Read the full wording of each ground you might use.
- Choose grounds that match your evidence.
- Prepare to show reasonableness for any discretionary ground.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
