Amendments
This article originally described the prescribed forms introduced in 2016. The position changed substantially on 1 May 2026. Section 21 has been abolished for private rented sector tenancies in England, landlords now rely on the revised Section 8 possession regime, and new prescribed forms apply. For private assured tenancies, landlords should use the current version of Form 3A for a Section 8 notice and Form 4A for a Section 13 rent increase. Always use the form in force on the date the notice is served.
New regulations made on the 23rd March 2016 slightly amend the documents required for serving notice.
As from 6th April 2016 a new prescribed form will be required when you serve a Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 notice (the notice you serve when ending a tenancy typically for rent arrears or other breaches of tenancy). Any notices served on or after the 6th April 2016 must use the prescribed form.
Essentially the amendments are minor and correct formatting and drafting errors in respect of the Section 8 Notice to refer to the new prescribed form 6A for giving notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. They should not however be ignored.
The Section 13 notice has also been changed.
We are in the process of updating the notices within our document portal and we will blog again once the new notices are included.
Useful UK legal and solicitor links
- GOV.UK: Repossessing a privately rented property after 1 May 2026
- Legislation.gov.uk: 2026 prescribed forms regulations
- Osbornes Law: Section 8 notices guide
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for legal or tax advice on a specific case.
