From 1st May 2026, Section 21 “no-fault” evictions are no longer available in England. While this has caused concern for many landlords, the reality is more balanced than some headlines suggest.
Under the new system, all tenancies are open-ended, meaning landlords can no longer end a tenancy simply by serving notice without a reason. Instead, possession must be sought using Section 8, based on specific legal grounds such as rent arrears, selling the property, moving back in, or serious tenant breach.
Crucially, this doesn’t mean landlords are powerless. It does mean paperwork, timing, and compliance matter more than ever. Grounds must be valid, evidence must be in place, and notices must be served correctly. There is also a new protected period at the start of a tenancy, during which possession cannot usually be sought for sale or owner occupation.
For landlords who plan ahead, maintain good records, and stay compliant, the changes are manageable. In many cases, the biggest risk is not the law itself, but misunderstanding it or relying on outdated processes.
The new Renters Rights Act is less about losing control and more about operating professionally. With the right advice and systems in place, landlords can continue to let successfully — and with fewer disputes along the way.
