Breach of Tenancy Agreement Letter

Landlord Handbook
www.landlordhandbook.co.uk
Letter
Ref: LH-LT-004
Last updated: 15 March 2026
Printed: 8 October 2026

Breach of Tenancy Agreement Letter

Formal letter notifying the tenant of a breach and requiring remedy within a set deadline

Landlord Handbook
Updated 15 March 2026
England & Wales
Annual Access

Send Before Section 8 Proceedings

Always send this letter before serving a Section 8 notice for breach (Ground 12). It gives the tenant an opportunity to remedy the breach and demonstrates to the court that you acted reasonably. Keep a copy and proof of delivery.

[Landlord/Agent name and address]

[Date]

Dear [Tenant's name(s)],

Re: [Property address] — Breach of Tenancy Agreement

I am writing to inform you that you are in breach of your tenancy agreement dated [tenancy start date] in respect of the above property. The details of the breach are set out below.

Nature of the Breach

[Describe the breach clearly and specifically. Examples:]

  • Unauthorised subletting: It has come to my attention that you have sublet the property / allowed additional occupants to reside at the property without my written consent, in breach of clause [X] of your tenancy agreement.
  • Unauthorised pet: You have kept a [animal] at the property without obtaining my written consent, in breach of clause [X] of your tenancy agreement.
  • Damage to property: During a recent inspection on [date], the following damage was noted which goes beyond fair wear and tear: [description].
  • Nuisance / antisocial behaviour: I have received complaints from [neighbours / other tenants] regarding [noise / behaviour] at the property on [dates]. This is in breach of clause [X] of your tenancy agreement.
  • Failure to maintain garden: The garden at the property has been allowed to become severely overgrown / has accumulated rubbish, in breach of clause [X] of your tenancy agreement.

Evidence

[Describe the evidence you have — e.g., photographs taken on [date], complaints received in writing from [source], inspection report dated [date].]

Action Required

You are required to remedy the breach described above by[deadline — usually 14 days from the date of this letter]. Specifically, you must:

  • [Specific action required — e.g., "Remove the unauthorised occupant from the property"]
  • [Specific action required — e.g., "Repair the damage to the [item] at your own cost"]
  • [Specific action required — e.g., "Clear the garden of all rubbish and cut the grass"]

Consequences of Non-Compliance

If the breach is not remedied by the deadline above, I will have no option but to serve a formal Section 8 Notice Seeking Possession and apply to the court for a possession order. This could result in you losing your home and being liable for court costs.

If you wish to discuss this matter, please contact me on [phone number] or [email address] within [X] days.

Yours sincerely,

[Landlord/Agent name]
[Contact details]

Legal Note: Keep a copy of this letter and proof of delivery. If the tenant remedies the breach, make a note of this. If proceedings follow, this letter will form part of your evidence bundle.

Disclaimer

Guidance only. Landlord Handbook provides practical information to help landlords understand their responsibilities. It is not legal or financial advice. Always check the latest GOV.UK guidance and seek professional advice where appropriate.

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