Law update · 1 May 2026
Section 21 no-fault evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026 by the Renters' Rights Act 2024. Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) were converted to assured periodic tenancies. Landlords must now use section 8 with a specific ground to end a tenancy. Some material on this page describes the pre-1 May 2026 position and is preserved for anyone still working through a case that started before then.
Authoritative UK websites and guides we reference
These are the official UK resources we reference when building your TenantShield letter. Useful if you want to dig deeper into tenant rights, Section 21 notices, housing disrepair claims, or tenant fees.
Official government guide to your rights as a tenant, including Section 21 notices, repairs, and eviction procedures.
gov.uk/guidance/renting - UK Government
Assured tenancies. Section 21 (no-fault eviction) was abolished on 1 May 2026 by the Renters' Rights Act 2024. Section 8 grounds now apply for all new evictions. Pre-1 May 2026 section 21 notices still in court are judged on the old rules.
Legislation.gov.uk - HA 1988 s.21 - UK Parliament
Bans most fees charged to tenants. If you've been charged illegal fees, you can claim them back.
Legislation.gov.uk - Tenant Fees Act 2019 - UK Parliament
Independent service handling complaints about housing associations and some private landlords regarding disrepair and service failures.
housing-ombudsman.org.uk - Housing Ombudsman
Independent tribunal handling housing disputes including disrepair claims, rent disputes, and deposit deductions.
gov.uk/first-tier-tribunal-property-chamber - Courts and Tribunals Service
If your landlord held your deposit without protecting it, you can claim compensation to the tribunal.
gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection - UK Government
Free expert advice on tenant rights, eviction, disrepair, illegal fees, and how to defend yourself against unfair landlords.
shelter.org.uk - Shelter
Free guidance on your rights as a tenant, Section 21 notices, disrepair, and how to challenge unfair eviction.
citizensadvice.org.uk - Citizens Advice
Support and campaign organisation for tenants. Provides free advice on tenant rights and legal protections.
tenantsunion.org.uk - Tenants Union
Section 21 no-fault evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026 by the Renters' Rights Act 2024. A section 21 notice dated on or after that day has no legal force and the landlord cannot use it to evict you. Anything served before 1 May 2026 that is still in court proceedings is judged under the pre-abolition rules: 2 months notice, deposit protected within 30 days, prescribed information given, gas safety certificate current, EPC provided at tenancy start, and prescribed form. Any defect made the pre-abolition notice invalid. For new evictions, landlords must use section 8 with a specific ground.
No. They must serve a valid Section 21 notice, wait the required period, and get a court order. Any eviction without these steps is illegal.
Most fees are banned - agent fees, administration fees, check-in fees, inventory fees. Only deposit and rent are allowed. If charged illegal fees, you can reclaim them.
Yes. If your landlord fails to repair the property and it's unfit for living, you can claim damages and compensation through the tribunal.
You can claim compensation - up to 3 times the deposit amount. The landlord must have protected it within 30 days and provided prescribed information.