Can I Still Use Section 21 in 2025?
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Yes, you can still serve Section 21 notices until 30 April 2026. Notices served before this date remain valid through the transition period ending 31 July 2026. After 1 May 2026, no new Section 21 notices can be served.
Throughout 2025, Section 21 remains available. But time is running out—understand the deadlines so you can plan accordingly.
Can I serve Section 21 now?
Yes. Until 30 April 2026, you can serve Section 21 notices as normal. The Renters' Rights Act received Royal Assent in September 2024, but Section 21 abolition doesn't take effect until May 2026.
This means you have a window to use Section 21 if you need to. Once abolished, no-fault eviction is gone permanently.
What's the deadline for Section 21?
The last day to serve a Section 21 notice is 30 April 2026. From 1 May 2026, you cannot serve any new Section 21 notices, regardless of when the tenancy started.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Now – 30 April 2026 | Section 21 can still be served |
| 1 May 2026 | Section 21 abolished—no new notices |
| 1 May – 31 July 2026 | Transition period for existing notices |
| From 1 August 2026 | All Section 21 routes closed |
What if I serve now but court date is after May 2026?
Valid Section 21 notices served before 1 May 2026 can proceed through the courts during the transition period. The transition runs until 31 July 2026, giving time for notices already in the system to complete.
However, court backlogs mean you need to factor in timing. A notice served in April 2026 may struggle to complete before the transition ends.
Should I use Section 21 or Section 8?
It depends on your situation. Section 21 doesn't require a reason but takes longer (2 months notice). Section 8 requires grounds but can be faster for rent arrears (2 weeks notice).
- Use Section 21: No fault, just want tenancy to end, have time
- Use Section 8: Rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, specific grounds
- Use both: Many landlords serve both as backup
Given Section 21's abolition, learning Section 8 now is essential—it's your only route after May 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reason to serve Section 21?
No. That's the point of "no-fault" eviction. You give 2 months notice and don't have to explain why. This changes completely after abolition.
What if my tenant challenges Section 21?
Section 21 can be invalidated by procedural issues: deposit not protected, prescribed information not served, How to Rent guide not given, no gas safety certificate, no EICR. Check all requirements before serving.
Can I use accelerated possession after May 2026?
No. Accelerated possession (paper-based, no hearing) only applies to Section 21 claims. After abolition, all possession claims require Section 8 grounds and typically full court hearings.
Managing this yourself?
LandlordOS helps UK landlords stay compliant and organised:
- Automatic compliance reminders for Gas Safety, EICR, EPC
- Document storage with AI-powered certificate reading
- Tenancy tracking and rent management
LandlordOS tip
Don't panic-serve Section 21 just because it's ending. If you don't genuinely need to end the tenancy, there's no point. But if you're on the fence about a problematic tenancy, 2025 is the year to decide.