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One partner has left the property due to violence or threats of violence by the remaining tenant.
Ground 14A of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 is a discretionary ground for possession that applies in domestic violence situations. It can be used where the property was occupied by a couple (whether married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting), one partner has left because of violence or threats of violence by the other partner, and the court is satisfied that the partner who has left is unlikely to return.
The purpose of Ground 14A is to enable the landlord (typically a social landlord or housing association) to recover the property from the perpetrator of domestic abuse so that it can be reallocated, potentially to the victim or another person in housing need. It is a ground that supports the broader objective of protecting victims of domestic violence.
Ground 14A is most commonly used by social landlords and housing associations rather than private landlords. It tends to arise in cases where the victim has fled to alternative accommodation (such as a refuge or a new tenancy) and is unlikely to return to the property, leaving the perpetrator in sole occupation.
The notice period for Ground 14A is 2 weeks, reflecting the seriousness and urgency of domestic violence cases. The landlord must serve a Section 8 notice specifying Ground 14A and allowing at least 2 weeks before proceedings are issued.
As a discretionary ground, the court considers whether it is reasonable to grant possession in all the circumstances. The court will consider the evidence of violence or threats, whether the departed partner is genuinely unlikely to return, the perpetrator's behaviour and circumstances, and the housing needs of all parties.
Evidence supporting a Ground 14A claim may include police reports, court orders (such as non-molestation orders or restraining orders), statements from the victim or support workers, and evidence that the victim has been rehoused or is residing elsewhere.
Ground 14A is not subject to the 12-month restriction under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Domestic violence can occur at any stage of a tenancy, and the ability to seek possession is not time-limited.
Landlords considering Ground 14A should handle the situation with great sensitivity and should liaise with relevant support agencies, the police, and local authority domestic abuse services. The safety of the victim should always be the primary consideration.
A properly drafted tenancy agreement makes it far easier to rely on Section 8 grounds if things go wrong. Generate your complete RRA-compliant document pack in minutes.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change and individual circumstances vary. You should always seek independent legal advice before taking action to recover possession. TenancyPack is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.