England Form 3A ground guide
How to Evict a Tenant Using Ground 10 - Any Rent Arrears
Use this landlord guide to check what Ground 10 means, the current post-May 2026 notice period, the evidence to gather, and the safest next document step before serving Form 3A.
Ground meaning
Ground 10 is the discretionary rent arrears ground for cases where rent is owed, even if the arrears do not meet the Ground 8 threshold.
Mandatory or discretionary status
Ground 10 is discretionary.
Current notice period
The current post-May 2026 notice period is 4 weeks.
How landlords use Ground 10
Landlords use Ground 10 when arrears exist but the case needs a reasonableness argument. It is commonly pleaded with Ground 8 or Ground 11 in rent cases.
Use our validated, solicitor-approved Notice Only route when you need a Form 3A notice and service pack. Use Complete Pack when court progression is likely and you want official court forms, evidence prompts, and a court-ready file prepared together.
Post-May 2026 compliance note
For post-May 2026 England cases, use Form 3A and give 4 weeks notice. The court will consider whether possession is reasonable, so the evidence should show the arrears history and landlord attempts to resolve the debt.
The notice must set out the substance of the ground and the reasons relied on. If the tenant does not leave, the landlord must prove the ground at court with a consistent notice, service record, and evidence bundle.
Common mistakes with Ground 10
- Assuming any arrears automatically guarantees possession
- Not explaining why possession is reasonable
- Failing to update the arrears figure before court
- Using Ground 10 without a clear payment history
- Forgetting Ground 8 or 11 where the facts also support them
Ground 10 evidence checklist
Ground 10 evidence should show what is unpaid and why possession is reasonable.
- Current rent ledger and arrears total
- Tenancy agreement showing rent frequency and due dates
- Arrears letters, emails, texts, or repayment-plan attempts
- Bank records or payment-history exports
- Notes of tenant explanations, broken promises, or affordability discussions
Next step
Prepare the right document route for Ground 10
Start with Notice Only if you need the notice and service pack now. Choose Complete Pack if you expect the tenant may stay and you want the court paperwork prepared around the same facts.
Related grounds
Ground 10 FAQs
Answers to common landlord questions about using Ground 10 in England.