Section 21 eviction
The law is changing
The Renters' Rights Act will change eviction rights for private tenants.
Changes start from 1 May 2026.
For now, you can still be evicted with a section 21 notice.
Staying in your home after a section 21
You do not have to move out straight away.
Your tenancy continues until you either:
agree to leave and move out
give notice to end your tenancy
get evicted by court bailiffs
It does not mean you have done something wrong if your landlord goes to court. The court makes sure the landlord has taken the right steps to evict you.
Find out how long an eviction takes.
Your rights if you stay
Your rights as a tenant continue.
Pay your rent as normal.
Your landlord is still responsible for repairs.
Tell your landlord your plans
Some landlords assume their tenants will just leave when they get a section 21.
Tell your landlord if, for example, you need to:
check the notice is valid
look for somewhere else to live
Remind your landlord that you do not have to leave when the notice ends.
Keep a record of anything you agree with your landlord.
Agreeing a tenancy end date
Only do this if you have somewhere else to live.
Your landlord should be flexible about the tenancy end date if they want you to leave.
Keep emails, messages or letters to show what you have agreed.
If you cannot agree, you might have to give notice to end your tenancy.
If you leave without ending your tenancy, you may still be responsible for rent.
Be careful if you're asked to sign a:
deed of surrender
express surrender
Only sign a document like this if you have somewhere to move to and can leave on the agreed date.
If your landlord offers you money to leave
Your landlord might:
offer you money to leave
say you do not have to pay rent that you owe if you move out
This is only a good option if you have somewhere settled to move to.
Only take money to move out if it will help you get somewhere to live.
Make sure you have the money or a written agreement saying that rent arrears are cancelled before you move out.
More on rent arrears in a private tenancy.
Pressure to leave and illegal eviction
Your landlord must not:
force you to leave when the notice ends
change the locks without a court order
come to your home without a good reason or harass you
It is illegal for your landlord to harass you or force you out.
Example: Harassment from a landlord
Carmen's section 21 notice period has ended.
Carmen still lives in the property. The council says her landlord needs to get a court order to evict her.
The landlord comes to Carmen's house and tells her she needs to leave. Carmen refuses and says they need to take the proper legal steps.
The landlord says she must go in 2 weeks 'or else'. Most evenings, Carmen sees the landlord sitting in his car outside her house.
This is harassment. If the landlord makes Carmen feel so unsafe that she leaves, it could be an illegal eviction.
Last updated: 3 February 2026
