Anti-social behaviour ground
Possession ground for nuisance, annoyance or criminal behaviour.
2 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Anti-social behaviour grounds allow a landlord to seek possession where the tenant, a household member or a visitor causes nuisance or annoyance to neighbours or is convicted of an offence connected with the property. Under the reformed regime the notice period for serious anti-social behaviour is short, and proceedings can be started immediately in the most serious cases.
Legal requirements
- The court weighs the effect on neighbours and any evidence of continuing behaviour.
- Discretionary grounds require the court to decide it is reasonable to award possession.
Practical guidance
- Keep a contemporaneous incident log with dates, times and witnesses.
- Report serious incidents to the council's ASB team and the police and record reference numbers.
This wiki entry is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.