Landlords: Time is Ticking on Section 21 Notices – Act Now Before the Rules Change!
Are you a landlord considering selling, moving back into your property, or changing tenants? The clock is genuinely ticking on Section 21 notices. Don't get caught out by upcoming legislative changes – understanding your options now is crucial.
If you're a landlord in England intending to use a Section 21 "no-fault" eviction, you need to act fast, as they are being abolished; the last day to serve a valid notice under current rules is around April 28, 2026, to allow for processing and court action before the system changes under the new Renters' Rights Act, but you must ensure all your tenancy paperwork (deposit, gas safety, EPC, EPC, How to Rent guide) is perfect, as any errors can invalidate the notice, making professional advice essential now.
Key Dates & Deadlines
- Abolition Date: Section 21 notices are being abolished, with the main changes effective May 1, 2026 (the Commencement Date).
- Last Day to Serve: You generally have until April 28, 2026, to serve a Section 21 notice to use the old system, but this depends on service method.
- Court Action: Even if served before the deadline, the process takes time, with courts aiming for a first hearing within 4-8 weeks, but delays happen.
Why Act Now?
- Time-Limited: The opportunity to use Section 21 is running out quickly.
- Complex Rules: Section 21 notices require strict compliance with many legal steps (deposit protection, gas safety, etc.).
- Rectification Time: If your paperwork is wrong (e.g., deposit not protected correctly), you might not have time to fix it and re-serve before the deadline.
What You Must Have (or Fix) for a Valid Notice
- Deposit Protection: Deposit must be in a government-approved scheme, with prescribed information served correctly.
- Gas Safety: A valid Gas Safety Certificate must be given to the tenant.
- EPC & How to Rent Guide: An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the government's "How to Rent" guide must be given to the tenant.
- Prescribed Form: You must use the correct Form 6A.
We're Here to Help, Every Step of the Way
We understand that this can feel like a lot to take in, and the thought of navigating new legislation can be daunting. That's why we're here – to offer honest advice, no jargon, and genuine support. We believe that moving home, or managing your property, should feel personal, not transactional. Our team is committed to keeping you informed with honest market updates and helping you make the right decisions for your unique circumstances.
Don't let uncertainty hold you back. If you're considering your options regarding your rental property and believe a Section 21 notice might be appropriate for your current situation, we strongly encourage you to explore this sooner rather than later. We can help you understand the current requirements for issuing a valid notice and discuss how the upcoming changes might impact your long-term plans.
We'd love to chat and help you navigate these changes with confidence.
Call the office on 📞 0207 033 9888 📱 07765 170801 email 📧 daniel@lloydsestes.com.