Section 21 eviction
The law has changed
Private tenants can only be evicted with a section 21 notice if you got a valid notice before 1 May 2026.
Check a section 21 notice is valid
You could be evicted if your section 21 notice is valid.
You do not have to leave right away. Your landlord must apply to court for an order to evict you.
More on staying after a section 21 notice runs out.
If your notice is not valid
Your landlord cannot evict you with the notice if it is not valid.
A section 21 notice is not valid if your landlord did any of these:
gave it to you on or after 1 May 2026
used the wrong form for the notice
gave you less than 2 months' notice
gave you notice in the first 4 months of your tenancy
broke other rules for landlords
leaves it too late to ask a court for an eviction order
If your landlord applies to court too late
Your landlord cannot ask a court to evict you more than 6 months after giving you notice.
The last day they can apply to court for an eviction order is 31 July 2026.
Some landlords have to apply before this date. It depends when you got the notice.
Table: Latest date your landlord can apply for an eviction order
| Date you were given the section 21 | When court action must start by |
|---|---|
| Before 1 February 2026 | Your landlord must start court action within 6 months of giving you notice |
| On or after 1 February 2026 | Your landlord must start court action by 31 July 2026 |
If your landlord does not apply for an eviction order, you become an assured tenant.
That means your landlord needs a reason to evict you. For example, rent arrears.
What form should the notice be on?
Your section 21 notice should be on Form 6A.
It could be valid if it has the same information as the form.
The notice is not valid if your landlord only:
sent a message or email telling you to go
told you to leave in person or on the phone
How much notice should you get?
You should get at least 2 months' notice.
Check the date the notice says you should leave after. This date must be at least 2 months after your landlord gave you the notice.
Sometimes the notice should be longer. For example, you must get at least 3 months' notice if you pay rent every 3 months.
More on how long an eviction takes.
Has your landlord broken any other rules?
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
You do not have to leave by the date on the section 21 notice.
Your landlord has to apply to court to end your tenancy if you stay.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
