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

You can still be evicted with a section 21 notice if you got 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

If your notice is not valid

Your landlord cannot evict you with the notice if it is not valid.

The notice is not valid if your landlord did any of these:

• gave it to you on or after 1 May 2026

• applies too late to court for an order to evict you

• did not use the right form

• gave you less than 2 months' notice

• gave it in the first 4 months of your tenancy

• broke other rules for landlords

Free help and advice

You can get:

• free legal help if you're facing eviction

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