Tenant in prison – can I serve a Section 8?

Silhouette of a prisoner behind bars with a red question mark symbolising uncertainty about custody location

by Readers Question

12:01 AM, 11th February 2026, 2 months ago 12

Categories:

Landlord News Landlords Questions

Hello, I have a tenant on remand in prison for the last three weeks. He has no family or friends, despite phone calls and emails with no reply.

I cannot find out which prison he is in.

He is now 10 weeks behind with his rent; the severity of the alleged crime suggests that he will get a sentence.

I am contemplating serving a section 8 notice, but the only place I can serve this is at his home address, but I know he is not there.

Any help or advice would be greatly received.

Thank you,

Share This Article

Tags: prison, Section 8, Section 8 challenges, tenant in prison

Comments

Non Resident LL

Member Since February 2021 - Comments: 6

9:47 AM, 11th February 2026, About 2 months ago

I would try citizens advice bureau first. Free advice and a good starting point.

16 Report Comment Reply
Jason

Member Since February 2022 - Comments: 206

10:31 AM, 11th February 2026, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Non Resident LL at 11/02/2026 – 09:47
Don’t waste your time, there is a reason why it’s free. They won’t have a clue and will just say here is a list of solicitors to try. Just goto an eviction specialist and pay for their service.

48 Report Comment Reply
JB

Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 765

11:00 AM, 11th February 2026, About 2 months ago

You could try Shelter, who Shelters No one, and ask questions from the tenants perspective. They have some excellent info I’ve made use of – after all we’re paying for it.
Alternatively go to a specialist eviction company. You’ll probably save in lost rent what it costs you

37 Report Comment Reply
The_Maluka Read Full Bio

Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2203 - Articles: 2

11:18 AM, 11th February 2026, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Non Resident LL at 11/02/2026 – 09:47
Citizens Advice, a service for the whole population, will not advise landlords.

7 Report Comment Reply
Judith Wordsworth Read Full Bio

Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1447 - Articles: 1

11:27 AM, 11th February 2026, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Non Resident LL at 11/02/2026 – 09:47
Citizens Advice do not give advice to landlords

4 Report Comment Reply
Judith Wordsworth Read Full Bio

Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1447 - Articles: 1

11:31 AM, 11th February 2026, About 2 months ago

You have to find out where they are incarcerated and serve either by post or in person.
These links might help.

https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/find-a-prisoner-and-get-help/

https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner

https://copeandco.co.uk/blogs/what-happens-to-my-property-if-my-tenant-goes-to-prison

https://www.kitsonboyce.co.uk/insights/landlord-rights-what-happens-when-a-tenant-goes-to-prison/

1 Report Comment Reply
Mark Stokes

Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 4

11:49 AM, 11th February 2026, About 2 months ago

Yes you can serve documents on a prisone, and as you are a business CAB isnt really for you. Here is the guide
https://prisonguide.co.uk/send-letter-to-prisoner/

Report Comment Reply
Chris @ Possession Friend

Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1575 - Articles: 16

2:48 PM, 12th February 2026, About 2 months ago

Possession Friend give Free initial advice, see our web site for email address.

Citizens Advice ( wrongly ! ) refuse to help Landlords, claiming they’re a ‘business’

1 Report Comment Reply
Reluctant Landlord

Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3538 - Articles: 5

4:15 PM, 13th February 2026, About 2 months ago

Just serve a S8 to the last known address. Legally accepted.
Unless the tenant calls you to tell you in person where they are (in any circumstance) you have no other info so serve to where his last known address was.
He’s already behind with the rent so you have your ground.

26 Report Comment Reply
Carchester

Member Since May 2019 - Comments: 121

9:58 AM, 14th February 2026, About 2 months ago

Further to comment by RL also send a copy of the Section 8 Notice named and addressed to your tenant c/o
HM Prison Service,
Clive House
102 Petty France
London SW1H 9AJ.
Tel No. 0300 047 6325 or.01633 630 941.
Make sure your Return Address is clearly shown on the reverse of the envelope. Keep copy of your letter.
Carchester

1 Report Comment Reply

1 2 Next

Have Your Say

Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.

Not a member yet? Join In Seconds