Back to GlossaryLandlord Glossary

Section 21 Notice

A Section 21 notice was the "no-fault" route by which landlords in England could end an assured shorthold tenancy without giving a reason. Section 21 was abolished by the Renters' Rights Act on 1 May 2026, and landlords must now use the grounds-based Section 8 process to seek possession.

The transition

Notices validly served before 1 May 2026 remained usable only if the landlord issued court proceedings by the statutory deadline of 31 July 2026. After that, any remaining Section 21 notice is unenforceable.

What replaced it

Possession now requires a Section 8 notice citing one or more statutory grounds, such as rent arrears, sale of the property or the landlord moving in, each with its own notice period and evidence requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still serve a Section 21 notice?

No. No new Section 21 notices can be served since 1 May 2026.

What do landlords use instead?

The Section 8 process, which requires citing a statutory ground for possession.

Related terms

Related reading

From Propell

Track every compliance deadline in one place

Propell tracks your gas, electrical and EPC certificates and reminds you before anything expires, so you never miss a renewal.