Section 21 no-fault evictions have been abolished as of 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Landlords can no longer serve Section 21 notices. All evictions must now be based on specific, legally valid possession grounds under a reformed Section 8 process.
The abolition of Section 21 is the headline reform of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Landlords must now rely on specific grounds for possession, including expanded grounds for selling the property, moving in, or dealing with rent arrears and anti-social behaviour.
A 12-month protected period applies at the start of each tenancy during which sale and move-in grounds cannot be used.
Action required
Stop using Section 21 notices immediately. If you have already served a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, you must commence court proceedings by 31 July 2026 for it to remain valid. Familiarise yourself with the new and expanded Section 8 possession grounds.
Effective
1 May 2026
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