What replaced Section 21 for a landlord with no specific complaint about the tenant?

Ground 1 (the landlord intends to sell the property) and Ground 1A (the landlord or a close family member intends to move in) are the closest replacements. Both require at least 4 months' notice and generally cannot be used within the first 12 months of a tenancy.

Did rent arrears notice periods change too?

Yes. The minimum notice period for the rent arrears grounds (8, 10 and 11) is now at least 4 weeks, up from 2 weeks previously, and the arrears threshold for the mandatory Ground 8 increased to 3 months' rent (13 weeks if paid weekly or fortnightly).

What happens to a Section 21 notice served before 1 May 2026?

Transitional provisions may allow it to remain valid if the notice was served, and in some cases court proceedings started, within the relevant time limits before the change. The exact position depends on the dates involved, so check GOV.UK's Renters' Rights Act guidance or a solicitor rather than assuming it still applies.

Section 21 vs Section 8 UK | Section 21 Abolished From 1 May 2026

Section 21 vs Section 8: What Changed Since Section 21 Was Abolished

Section 21 no longer exists in England. Here's how the old 'no fault' notice compared to Section 8, what changed under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, and which ground to use now.

Is Section 21 still used in England? No. Section 21 'no fault' eviction notices were abolished in England from 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Section 8, with a specific stated ground, is now the only way for a landlord to seek possession.

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