Section 21 abolition: what changed
Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 is the no fault eviction route landlords have used for 35 years. It ended on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Every English landlord seeking possession must now use Section 8 with a specific ground.
What replaces Section 21
Two new mandatory grounds carry the bulk of former Section 21 use: Ground 1 (landlord/family moving in) and Ground 1A (selling). Both require 4 months notice and a 12-month minimum tenancy. Both come with a 12-month re-letting ban after the tenant leaves.
Old Section 21 notices
Section 21 notices served before 1 May 2026 with sufficient time remaining to start court proceedings can still proceed under transitional rules. Notices that had not led to a court claim before the cut-off generally cannot.
What to do now
Send the Information Sheet to every existing tenant by 31 May 2026.
Familiarise yourself with the Section 8 grounds you are most likely to need.
Register on the Private Rented Sector Database when it opens (1 September 2026 deadline for serving any Section 8).
Source: gov.uk Guide to the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Last verified 2026-05-09. This page is informational, not legal advice. For complex disputes, consult a solicitor.