Section 21 notices—commonly known as “no-fault evictions”—have been a long-standing tool for landlords in England and Wales to regain possession of their rental property. However, recent government announcements have sparked widespread debate in the housing sector, as the future of Section 21 now appears uncertain.
So, is Section 21 being abolished? In this blog, we explore the latest updates, what the government is proposing, and what this means for landlords and tenants alike.
What Is a Section 21 Notice?
A Section 21 notice allows landlords to evict tenants without needing to give a specific reason, provided the correct procedure is followed and the notice period is adhered to (currently a minimum of 2 months). It’s widely used at the end of a fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) or during a rolling periodic tenancy.
However, critics argue that Section 21 evictions can leave tenants vulnerable and insecure, as they can be removed from their homes with little notice and no wrongdoing.
Government’s Plan to Abolish Section 21
In 2019, the UK government first announced its intention to abolish Section 21 as part of its Renters’ Reform Bill—aiming to create a fairer rental system. After delays due to political changes and the pandemic, the government reintroduced the proposal in the 2023 Renters (Reform) Bill.
According to official statements, Section 21 will be abolished—but only after the court system is reformed to handle increased workloads from possession claims under Section 8 notices.
Key Statements from the Government:
- We are committed to delivering a fairer private rented sector and will abolish Section 21.
- No-fault evictions will be removed once improvements are made to the possession process and court system.
- Landlords will still be able to regain possession using legitimate grounds under Section 8.
This means that Section 21 is not yet abolished, but its end is firmly on the government’s agenda.
What Will Replace Section 21?
The government plans to strengthen Section 8 grounds for possession, so landlords can still legally evict tenants for valid reasons—such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or needing to sell or move into the property.
Additionally, all tenancies will become periodic by default, offering more flexibility for tenants and requiring landlords to follow a formal process to end the tenancy.
What Does This Mean for Landlords?
For now, landlords can still serve Section 21 notices as long as they follow current regulations. But change is coming.
To prepare:
- Review your tenancy agreements
- Ensure compliance with deposit and licensing rules
- Consider learning the Section 8 process
- Seek legal support to avoid costly mistakes
Landlords should also stay informed about the timeline of reform to avoid acting on outdated legislation.
Conclusion: Section 21 Is Set to Go – But Not Just Yet
So, is Section 21 being abolished? Yes, but not immediately. The government has made its intention clear, but the transition depends on the capacity of the courts to handle more Section 8 claims.
Until then, Section 21 remains in force—but landlords should be proactive and prepared for a post-Section 21 future.
