Has Section 21 been abolished?

Yes. Section 21 no fault evictions ended on 1 May 2026.

The last valid Section 21 notices could be served up to 30 April 2026, and possession proceedings on those notices had to be started by 31 July 2026. After that the route closed entirely.

Every possession now needs a ground under Section 8, which means a reason and the evidence to support it. The two most small landlords use are Ground 1, where you or a close family member move in, and Ground 1A, where you sell. Both need four months’ notice, neither can be used in the first twelve months of a tenancy, and after using either you cannot market or re-let the property for twelve months.

The grounds and their notice periods are set out in the government guide.