Section 21 Is Abolished: What UK Landlords Need to Do Now
The single biggest change to UK landlord-tenant law in decades is now in effect — and any landlord still planning around the old "no-fault eviction" process needs to update how they operate.
This Banke guide covers what actually changed.
The Timeline
The Renters' Rights Bill received Royal Assent in October 2025, becoming the Renters' Rights Act. Its main provisions, including the abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, came into force on 1 May 2026.
What's Actually Gone
Assured shorthold tenancies have been abolished entirely — all private rented tenancies are now assured tenancies. That's the mechanism by which Section 21 disappeared: it doesn't exist without the tenancy type it was attached to.
How Eviction Works Now
Landlords can only evict using a Section 8 notice, which requires proving a specific legal ground — rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, wanting to sell, or moving in a family member, among others. There's no more "no reason needed" route.
What Happened to Notices Already in Progress
Landlords who served a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026 and applied to court by 31 July 2026 were allowed to complete that process under the old rules. That transition window is now closed — any new eviction must go through Section 8.
What This Means for Overseas Landlords
If you plan to sell or reoccupy a UK rental property, build in more lead time and make sure you have proper documentation for whichever Section 8 ground applies — the days of a clean, reason-free notice are over.
Talk to Banke
Contact Banke and pair this with a solicitor before serving any eviction notice.