What is a Section 21 notice?

This guidance applies to England unless stated otherwise. A Section 21 notice, under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, allowed a landlord to seek possession of a property let on an assured shorthold tenancy without giving a reason. This was often called a "no-fault" eviction. Section 21 was abolished for all private tenancies in England on 1 May 2026 by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Since then, landlords must use one of the grounds for possession in a Section 8 notice, such as rent arrears or the landlord wishing to sell or move into the property. A Section 21 notice served before 1 May 2026 could only be relied on if the landlord started court proceedings by 31 July 2026. If no possession claim was issued by that date, the notice became void. Where proceedings were started in time, the notice still had to meet the rules that applied when it was served: it had to be in the prescribed form, give at least two months' notice, and the landlord had to have protected the deposit and provided an Energy Performance Certificate, a gas safety record and the "How to Rent" guide. If you are dealing with a Section 21 case that is already in court, Shelter or Citizens Advice can help. This information is general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.