Goodbye No-Fault Evictions by Heather Hilder on June 18, 2025 Goodbye “no-fault” evictions When Section 21 is abolished Landlords have been dreading the change around the abolition of Section 21 within the Renters’ Rights Bill. It formed a major part of Labour’s election promises last year. We’re talking about the abolition of Section 21, also known as no-fault evictions. The topic has dominated headlines as one of the biggest changes coming to the private rental sector as part of the bill. Is it ‘Goodbye No-Fault Evictions’? Although the Renters’ Rights Bill has now progressed through the committee stage in the House of Lords and hits report stage this month, it is still unclear what the timeline is for Section 21 and the date when the new bill will come into force. However, landlords must be ready for the change. What it means and what it aims to stop The abolition of Section 21 evictions accompanies a move to a simpler tenancy structure. All assured tenancies will be ‘periodic’ rather than ‘fixed’. Both the end of Section 21 and the move to periodic tenancies are designed to provide more security for tenants. The changes also aim to give tenants greater powers to challenge landlords who display poor practice in the handling of their rental properties and who may use unfair rent increases to force tenants out. Currently, Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 allows landlords to evict tenants with two months’ notice, without having to give a specific reason. Properties can be relet to new tenants immediately. After abolition of Section 21 After the abolition of Section 21, eviction notices will instead be served under a revised Section 8 of the Housing Act, giving specific reasons for eviction. These will include the ability to regain their properties at any point from tenants who are at fault. Examples include displaying antisocial behaviour, damaging a property, or falling into significant rental arrears. Landlords will have to provide evidence for the grounds to be used. However, landlords must note that, under the latter grounds of eviction for rental arrears, the notice period, as well as the time elapsed before an eviction can be instigated, have both increased. The mandatory threshold for eviction will increase from two to three months’ arrears; the notice period will double from two weeks to four. The idea is that tenants have more time to repay what they owe. This will enable them to stay and help landlords avoid unnecessary costs, according to the government. Landlords will also be able to still regain their properties for a limited number of no-fault reasons. However, these must now be specified and be legally valid. They include if landlords want to sell or move into a property themselves. Grounds for possession The landlord must prove the expanded and clarified new grounds for possession. Landlords will give tenants four months’ notice, and an initial 12-month protected period under Section 8 of the Housing Act. If landlords haven’t properly protected a tenant’s deposit or have failed to register their property on the private rented sector database that will also form part of the Renters’ Rights Bill, then they won’t be able to gain possession using these grounds. To further protect tenants, landlords won’t be able to relet a property for at least 12 months after serving a Section 8 eviction notice if they don’t then sell or move in themselves. Landlord Support Callaways Estate Agents is here to support landlords along the South Coast, including Falmer, Worthing, and Brighton & Hove. Contact us today to learn how we can help you adapt to new regulations and safeguard your investment. Reach out now for expert advice!
