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The condition of furniture provided under the tenancy has deteriorated due to ill-treatment by the tenant.
Ground 15 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 is a discretionary ground for possession that applies where the landlord has provided furniture under the tenancy and the condition of that furniture has deteriorated owing to ill-treatment by the tenant or a person residing in the dwelling-house with the tenant.
This ground is specifically targeted at furnished lettings where the landlord has provided furniture as part of the tenancy and that furniture has been damaged or allowed to deteriorate through misuse. "Ill-treatment" goes beyond normal wear and tear — it covers deliberate damage, careless use, or neglect that causes the furniture to deteriorate significantly. A sofa that develops normal wear over several years of use would not satisfy this ground, but furniture that has been broken, stained through neglect, or otherwise damaged through misuse would.
If the ill-treatment was caused by a lodger or sub-tenant rather than by the tenant directly, Ground 15 still applies if the tenant has not taken reasonable steps to remove the person responsible. This mirrors the approach taken in Ground 13 (waste or neglect of the property itself) and prevents tenants from avoiding responsibility by allowing others to damage the landlord's furniture unchecked.
The notice period for Ground 15 is 2 weeks. The landlord must serve a Section 8 notice specifying Ground 15, describing the furniture deterioration relied upon, and allowing at least 2 weeks before proceedings can be issued.
As a discretionary ground, the court must consider whether it is reasonable to grant possession. The court will consider the extent and nature of the damage, the value of the furniture, whether the tenant was given an opportunity to repair or replace the items, and all the circumstances of the case. A court is unlikely to grant possession for minor damage to a single item of furniture, but persistent and serious damage across multiple items, particularly where the tenant has ignored warnings, would strengthen the landlord's case significantly.
Ground 15 is not subject to the 12-month restriction under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. It can be used at any point during the tenancy where the conditions are met.
Landlords providing furnished accommodation should ensure their tenancy agreement clearly lists the furniture provided and its condition at the start of the tenancy. A detailed inventory with photographs is essential evidence for any future Ground 15 claim.
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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.