Section 21 Guide
Welcome to this Guide to Section 21
Note that the legal system for renting property changed in Wales on 1 December 2022 when the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 come into force. With effect from that date, this guide will only apply to properties in England.
So far as England is concerned, section 21 (and indeed assured shorthold tenancies) are due to be abolished when the Renters Rights Bill becomes law. This is expected some time in 2025. At that time this guide will be removed.
Section 21 is one of the most useful and one of the most frustrating sections in the whole of the Housing Act 1988.
On the one hand, it provides a relatively quick and straightforward way for landlords to evict tenants from rented properties after the end of the fixed term. Even if they have done nothing wrong.
However, on the other hand, many landlords find the rules over-complex and confusing, particularly when drafting up the notice. And many landlords have lost their case at court because of a seemingly trivial error in the section 21 notice. Much to their annoyance! So you need to take care.
This guide will help. You can use it to check:
- Whether you can use section 21, and
- How to draft it properly
You will be guided by a series of questions and answers to the right answer and guidance for your situation.
However, this is a members-only service, so if you are not a member, you will need to join the site before you can use it. Find out more by clicking the ‘join now’ button below.
If you are a member, click the ‘start here’ button. Note that there are some navigation links under the trail logo, but you are advised to follow all of the guide at least once, or you may miss something important.
