Home · Wedding words · Section 21 no-fault eviction UK
Wedding words

Section 21 — what it means and the Renters' Rights Act changes

Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 allows a landlord to evict a tenant without providing a reason (a 'no-fault eviction'), provided proper notice is given.

Current position (as of early 2025)

In England, landlords can serve a Section 21 notice requiring the tenant to leave after giving at least 2 months' notice, provided the tenancy is not in a fixed term. The notice must be on Form 6A. Various conditions invalidate a Section 21 notice — if the deposit was not protected, if an EICR or gas safety certificate was not provided, or if the property has an outstanding improvement notice.

The Renters' Rights Act

The Renters' Rights Act, progressing through Parliament in 2024–25, proposes to abolish Section 21 entirely. Landlords would instead only be able to evict tenants for specific grounds (arrears, breach of tenancy, need to sell). At the time of writing, the commencement date has not been confirmed. Check gov.uk for current status.