Section 21 notice (abolished)
The "no fault" notice a landlord could use to end an assured shorthold tenancy without a reason. Abolished in England from 1 May 2026, for old and new tenancies alike.
In short: A section 21 notice let a landlord in England end an assured shorthold tenancy without giving a reason. The Renters' Rights Act abolished it from 1 May 2026, including for tenancies that began earlier. Landlords now need a ground for possession and a section 8 notice.
Ending a tenancy and possessionThe Renters’ Rights Act
英格兰。 于 5 October 2026 对照法律进行核查. 信息，非法律建议。
Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 was the usual route for a private landlord who wanted a home back: two months' notice and, if the tenant stayed, an accelerated court claim. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 repealed it for England from 1 May 2026.
What that means now:
- A section 21 notice served on or after 1 May 2026 has no effect.
- A notice validly served before then could be used only within a short transitional window, which has now closed.
- To get possession a landlord must use a ground in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988, such as selling (ground 1A) or moving in (ground 1), serve a section 8 notice and, if needed, obtain a court order.
Read more: Getting your property back after section 21
Related: Section 8 notice, Grounds for possession
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常见问题
Can a landlord in England still serve a section 21 notice?
No. Since 1 May 2026 section 21 no longer exists in England, whatever date the tenancy started.
Guides on this
Guide
What changed for landlords on 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act came into force in England on 1 May 2026. Section 21 is gone, every tenancy is now periodic, and rent rises follow one procedure. Here is what a self-managing landlord actually has to do differently.
Guide
Getting your property back after section 21
Without section 21, possession in England depends on the grounds in Schedule 2. The main ones a self-managing landlord uses, the notice periods, and why LevelMoves hands this to a human.
Guide
What to do when a tenant stops paying rent
Rent arrears in England: check the facts, talk early, agree a plan in writing and keep records. If it cannot be solved, possession is by section 8 notice and a court order only. Never change the locks.
Guide
How to protect a tenancy deposit, and what happens if you are late
Put the deposit in one of the three government schemes within 30 days and give the prescribed information. If late, the tenant can claim one to three times the deposit and most possession grounds close.
Related terms
Glossary
Grounds for possession (ground 1, 1A and 8)
The reasons in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 on which a landlord can seek possession. Some are mandatory, some discretionary; the main ones are moving in, selling and arrears.
Glossary
Form 3A
The prescribed government form for a section 8 notice seeking possession of a private assured tenancy in England, used since 1 May 2026.
Glossary
Harassment of a tenant
Acts by a landlord or anyone for them that are likely to interfere with a tenant's peace or comfort, meant to make them leave or stop using their rights. A criminal offence.
Glossary
Illegal eviction
Making a tenant leave, or keeping them out, without a court order and bailiffs: changing locks, removing belongings or cutting off services. A criminal offence.
Glossary
Pet request
Since 1 May 2026 a private tenant in England can ask in writing to keep a pet, and the landlord must answer in writing within 28 days and cannot refuse unreasonably.
Glossary
Possession order
A county court order that the tenant must give the home back by a date. Only a possession order, enforced by bailiffs if needed, lawfully ends a tenant's right to stay.