Changes For Residential Landlords With Property In England: Deadline Approaching
Residential landlords with property in England should be aware of upcoming changes to eviction rules following updates to the Renters’ Rights Act. These changes affect how and when you can regain possession of your property, and the deadline for using Section 21 notices is fast approaching.
What Are The Changes?
The final date to serve a Section 21 notice, often referred to as a “no‑fault” eviction requiring two months’ notice, is 30 April 2026. After this date, Section 21 will no longer be available.
From 1 May 2026, landlords will only be able to seek possession under Section 8, which requires specific grounds such as rent arrears, breach of tenancy, or the landlord’s intention to move into or sell the property.
To serve a Section 8 notice, landlords must complete Form 3 of the assured tenancy forms.
Before taking formal steps, landlords are strongly encouraged to try resolving issues with tenants, for example, agreeing a rent repayment plan if arrears have built up.
What Does This Mean for Landlords?
Possession Plans Must Reflect Section 8 Grounds
Going forward, any plans to regain possession of the property must fall within Section 8 criteria. This means having clear evidence to show why the eviction is justified, whether it relates to arrears, breach of contract, or the landlord’s own need to occupy or sell the property.
Good Record‑Keeping Will Be Essential
Section 8 notices require stronger supporting evidence. Maintaining detailed tenancy records, communication logs, compliance documents, and up‑to‑date paperwork will become even more important.
You will also need to complete a certificate of service and clearly state “served by [your name] on [date]” when delivering notice.
New Regulatory Requirements
Landlords will be required to register with a new property portal and comply with a mandatory ombudsman scheme, introducing additional layers of accountability and transparency.
Preparing for the 2026 Deadline
It is sensible to review your tenancy agreements, compliance documents, and overall lettings processes well ahead of 1 May 2026 to ensure they align with the upcoming legal framework.
A specialist Property Solicitor can guide you through these changes, helping you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary risk.
For tailored advice on managing your responsibilities as a residential landlord, both in England and in Wales, contact Ben Davies, Director – Property Litigation, on 01792 529696 or benjamin.davies@jcpsolicitors.co.uk.