Tenant right
No-fault evictions are abolished
Your landlord can no longer evict you without giving a legal reason. Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are gone.
What this means
Before 1 May 2026, landlords could issue a Section 21 notice and evict you with just 2 months' notice — no reason needed. That is now illegal. Every eviction must go through the courts and be based on one of the specific grounds listed in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
Valid grounds for eviction
Landlords can still seek possession, but only for reasons such as: serious rent arrears (Ground 8), the landlord genuinely needs to sell (Ground 1A), the landlord or a family member needs to move in (Ground 1), or anti-social behaviour (Ground 14). Each ground has rules about notice periods and evidence.
If your landlord serves a Section 21
Any Section 21 notice issued on or after 1 May 2026 is invalid and unenforceable. You do not have to leave. Write to your landlord immediately noting the notice is unlawful and report it to your local council's housing enforcement team.
What you should do now
Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord. If you receive any eviction notice, do not assume you must leave — seek advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice before taking any action.
Official sources
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