A section 21 notice is the first stage of eviction from an assured shorthold tenancy.

Your landlord had to give you a valid notice before 1 May 2026.

You can stay when the notice ends

Your section 21 must give you at least 2 months' notice.

You do not have to leave when the notice period ends.

Your tenancy continues until you either:

• agree to leave and move out

• give notice to end your tenancy

• are evicted by court bailiffs

It takes a few months to be evicted.

If your landlord goes to court

If you stay after your notice runs out, your landlord can:

• apply to court for an order to tell you to leave

• ask court bailiffs to evict you

It does not mean you have done something wrong if your landlord goes to court.

The court makes sure:

• the notice is valid

• the landlord has taken the right steps to evict you

Why you should check your notice

If your notice is not valid:

• you can stay in your home

• your landlord cannot evict you with the notice

From 1 May 2026, your landlord cannot give you a new section 21 eviction notice.

Check if your notice is valid.

Free help and advice

An adviser or the council can help check the notice.

You can get:

• free legal help if you're facing eviction

• council support if you're at risk of being homeless