Section 21 Notice Explained
What is a Section 21 'no-fault' eviction? How to check if it's valid. Being abolished May 2026.
A Section 21 notice is a 'no-fault' eviction notice. Your landlord can use it to ask you to leave without giving a reason. However, it must follow strict rules to be valid.
Key Changes Coming
Section 21 will be abolished from 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2024. After this date, landlords will need a legal reason to evict you using Section 8.
If you receive a Section 21 after May 2026, it will be invalid. Check the date carefully.
Current Section 21 Rules (Until May 2026)
- Must be on Form 6A (the prescribed form)
- Must give at least 2 months' notice
- Cannot be served in the first 4 months of the first tenancy
- Your deposit must be protected and you must have received the prescribed information
- You must have been given the latest gas safety certificate, EPC, and How to Rent guide
When Section 21 is Invalid
- Deposit not protected in a government scheme
- Prescribed information not provided
- Gas safety certificate not provided
- EPC not provided
- How to Rent guide not provided
- Wrong form used or incorrect information
- Served in retaliation for complaining about repairs (in some cases)
Even if you receive a valid Section 21, you don't have to leave on the date given. Your landlord must get a court order and then a bailiff's warrant to legally evict you.
Official Sources
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