Study Suggests One in Nine Renters Has Been Served a Section 21 Notice

Study Suggests One in Nine Renters Has Been Served a Section 21 Notice

A recently published study indicates that more than 1.2 million private renters in England — around 11 per cent of the renting population — have received a Section 21 eviction notice at some point during their tenancy. 

Section 21 notices, often referred to as no-fault evictions, allow landlords to regain possession of a property without needing to provide a specific reason, so long as the correct legal process is followed. 

The findings come amid major reforms to the UK rental market, with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 now law and scheduled to abolish Section 21 evictions from 1 May 2026. Under the new regime, all tenancies will transition to periodic contracts and landlords will instead have to rely on Section 8 grounds for possession, such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.

Campaigners and tenants’ groups have welcomed the shift, arguing that no-fault evictions undermine housing security. Critics meanwhile say some landlords may be prompted to raise rents or sell properties in anticipation of the changes.