General information, not tax or legal advice. Ask a solicitor or your landlord association.
Section 21 abolished
GOV.UK says that since 1 May 2026 you can only give a private tenant a section 8 notice. Section 21 is not available for that possession route.
Key takeaways
- England, private rented sector.
- Section 21 cannot be used to seek possession from 1 May 2026.
- Section 8 is the notice GOV.UK describes instead.
- This page does not set out the grounds or notice periods.
What replaces it
The GOV.UK guide on repossessing a privately rented property after 1 May 2026 says landlords cannot use section 21, and that a section 8 notice is how possession is sought. The grounds and notice periods are on that guide. This site does not rewrite them.
A section 21 notice served on or before 30 April 2026 could only be used to start a claim by 31 July 2026, and that date has passed. GOV.UK’s earlier-notice guide says you can no longer apply using that notice. Repossessing after 1 May 2026.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Find out if and when you need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
- GOV.UK: Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
- GOV.UK: Get ready for MTD, an agent toolkit
- GOV.UK: Reduction of the mandation threshold from £30,000 to £20,000 from April 2028
- GOV.UK: Find software that's compatible with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
- GOV.UK: Repossessing your privately rented property after 1 May 2026
- GOV.UK: Renting out your property, guidance for landlords and letting agents
Reviewed by
Christopher Norton
UK Property Tax & Making Tax Digital Specialist
FCCA and Chartered Tax Adviser. Director of Norton and Sons Associates Property Tax Firm. Property tax and MTD compliance since 2005.