One of the most significant changes under the Renters’ Rights Act is the removal of so-called “no-fault” evictions, commonly known as Section 21 notices.

This change will have a major impact on the private rental sector across England, fundamentally altering how landlords regain possession of their properties and giving tenants far greater security in their homes.

What is a “no-fault” eviction?

A no-fault eviction, issued under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, has traditionally allowed landlords to regain possession of their property without providing a specific reason.

In practice, this meant a landlord could ask a tenant to leave at the end of a tenancy or during a periodic tenancy, even if the tenant had complied with all terms of the agreement. This flexibility made it a widely used tool for landlords, particularly where they wished to sell a property or move back in themselves.

However, it has also been a source of uncertainty for tenants, who could be required to leave their home with little explanation.

What’s changing under the Renters’ Rights Act?

Under the new legislation, Section 21 will be abolished entirely. Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid legal reason.

Instead, all evictions must now be carried out using Section 8 of the Housing Act, which requires landlords to rely on specific grounds for possession. These grounds include situations such as selling the property, moving back into it, serious rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.

This represents a significant shift towards a more structured and regulated system, where every eviction must be justified and supported by evidence.

How will this affect landlords?

For landlords, this change introduces a new level of responsibility when it comes to managing tenancies.

Without the option of a no-fault eviction, landlords will need to ensure that all aspects of the tenancy are handled correctly from the outset. This includes carrying out thorough tenant referencing, maintaining accurate records and ensuring full compliance with all legal requirements.

There are also new restrictions around when certain grounds can be used. For example, if a landlord wishes to sell the property or move back in, they will typically need to wait at least twelve months from the start of the tenancy before taking action and must provide the appropriate notice period.

As a result, planning ahead and managing risk becomes far more important than it has been in the past.

What does this mean for tenants?

For tenants, the abolition of no-fault evictions brings a much greater sense of stability.

Tenants will no longer face the possibility of being asked to leave without a clear and valid reason. This allows them to plan with more confidence, knowing that their tenancy cannot be ended arbitrarily.

They will also have the ability to challenge evictions in court if they believe the correct process has not been followed, creating a more balanced and transparent system overall.

Why this change matters

The removal of Section 21 is one of the most important reforms to the rental market in decades.

It signals a move towards stronger tenant protections, increased accountability for landlords and a more regulated private rental sector. While this is a positive step for tenants, it also means landlords must be more diligent, organised and informed in how they manage their properties.

Even small mistakes in the eviction process could lead to delays, financial loss or legal consequences.

The importance of getting it right

With stricter rules now in place, there is far less room for error.

Landlords who are not fully aware of the new requirements may find it more difficult to regain possession of their property when needed. This makes professional advice and proactive management more valuable than ever.

Understanding the legislation, keeping up with compliance and handling tenancies correctly from day one will be essential to protecting both your property and your investment.

Need advice on the Renters’ Rights Act?

At Seths Estate Agents, we work closely with landlords across Leicester to ensure they remain compliant, protected and prepared for these changes.

Whether you are currently self-managing or working with another agent, now is the time to review how your property is being managed and make sure you are ready for the new legislation.

📞 Call our team on 0116 266 9977 for expert property management.