Home/Landlord Services/Guides/Section 21 Abolition May 2026 — UK Landlord Guide

Prepare for Section 21 abolition.

Section 21 ends May 2026 — what evictions look like under Section 8 grounds only.

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Notice periods longer

Most grounds 2-4 months notice now.

Mandatory grounds harder

Ground 8A requires 3 separate arrears periods.

FTT challenges

Tenants can challenge at First-tier Tribunal.

Court backlogs

Possession hearings 6-12 month wait.

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Section 8 notice (DIY)Free form
£1–£1
Solicitor-drafted Section 8Recommended
£150–£400
Possession claim court feeFixed
£355–£355
Solicitor full possessionPer case
£1k–£3.5k
Warrant of possession bailiffCourt fee
£130–£130
Average eviction timeUnder new system
£8–£14
!

Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

At a glance

The Landlord Services briefing.

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Section 21 Abolition May 2026 — UK Landlord Guide infographic
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Landlord Services explained

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions from 1 May 2026. All fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies convert to assured periodic tenancies on that date. UK landlords must use new statutory possession grounds. Expect to pay £500–£3,500 for UK landlord eviction under new rules.

What Does the Work Involve?

From 1 May 2026 Section 21 no-fault notices invalid. Landlords use expanded Section 8 grounds: mandatory rent arrears (Ground 8A: 3 months arrears 3 times in 3 years), landlord moving in (Ground 1), selling (Ground 1A), anti-social behaviour (Grounds 7A/14), pets damage. Notice periods vary 2 weeks to 4 months.

Typical Costs

ItemLow (£)High (£)Notes
Section 8 notice (DIY)00Free form
Solicitor-drafted Section 8150400Recommended
Possession claim court fee355355Fixed
Solicitor full possession1,0003,500Per case
Warrant of possession bailiff130130Court fee
Average eviction time8 months14 monthsUnder new system
Rent arrears compensationvariesvariesMoney claim separate

How Long Does It Take?

From notice to possession: 8-14 months expected. Court backlogs major factor.

UK Regulations

Renters' Rights Act 2025 (Royal Assent 27 October 2025). Commencement 1 May 2026. Housing Act 1988 amendments. Schedule 2 grounds expanded.

Common Problems

  • Notice periods longer: Most grounds 2-4 months notice now.
  • Mandatory grounds harder: Ground 8A requires 3 separate arrears periods.
  • FTT challenges: Tenants can challenge at First-tier Tribunal.
  • Court backlogs: Possession hearings 6-12 month wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Section 21 end?

1 May 2026 "Big Bang" commencement. All existing fixed-term ASTs convert to periodic same day.

Can I still issue S21 now?

Until 1 May 2026: yes, S21 still valid. After: invalid even for notices issued before commencement.

Best ground for selling?

Ground 1A — selling property. 4 months notice. Can't re-let for 12 months after.

Anti-social tenant?

Ground 14 discretionary. Ground 7A mandatory for serious. Police/council evidence helps.

Rent arrears threshold?

Ground 8A mandatory: 3 months arrears 3 times in 3 years. Higher bar than old Ground 8.

What happens to fixed terms?

All fixed-term ASTs convert to periodic 1 May 2026. No new fixed-terms allowed.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

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