Section 21 notices were abolished on 1 May 2026, under the Renters’ Rights Act. Landlords can no longer use a Section 21 notice to evict tenants without giving a reason. This FAQ explains what Section 21 notices were, how they used to work, and what’s changed for landlords and tenants.
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What was a Section 21 notice?
A Section 21 notice was a legal notice landlords in England and Wales could use to evict tenants from privately rented properties, without giving a reason. Landlords had to give at least two months’ notice.
When was Section 21 abolished?
Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026, under the Renters’ Rights Act. Landlords can no longer use it to end a tenancy.
Why was Section 21 abolished?
The Renters’ Rights Act reformed the rental system to give tenants more security. Ending “no-fault” evictions was one of its main changes.
I was served a Section 21 notice before 1st May 2026, does it still apply?
If your landlord applied to court for possession before 31 July 2026, a Section 21 notice served before 1 May 2026 could still be relied on. That window has now closed. If court proceedings weren’t started by 31 July 2026, the notice no longer has any effect, and your landlord would need to start again using a Section 8 notice instead.
What can landlords do now instead of a Section 21 notice?
Landlords now need a valid reason to end a tenancy, using a Section 8 notice. Click here to read our full guide to the Renters’ Rights Act for details.
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