If you’re a landlord who’s been concerned by recent headlines about the end of ‘no fault’ evictions, you’re not alone. Many property owners have contacted us worried about what the changes really mean for them.
While some media reports have painted a stark picture, the full story is more balanced. The Renters’ Reform Act 2025 does bring significant changes – including the removal of Section 21 notices from May 2026 – but not all of these changes are to a landlord’s disadvantage.
Here’s what the new law means for you, explained clearly.
Key dates to know
- The last day to serve a Section 21 notice under current rules is 30 April 2026.
- Any possession claims based on these notices must be filed at court by 31 July 2026.
New grounds for possession that work for you
The law introduces clearer, more usable grounds for when you need your property back for personal reasons:
- Selling the property – This will become a specific ground for possession (Ground 1A), which wasn’t available before.
- Moving in yourself or for close family – Ground 1 has been widened to include more relatives and cohabitees, and the previous requirement to notify the tenant before the tenancy begins has been removed. This ground is expected to be used much more often.
Both grounds require the tenancy to be at least 12 months old, and you’ll need to provide 4 months’ notice.
Good tenants are worth keeping
Even with these new grounds, evicting a reliable tenant may not be in your best interest. The new system also introduces a mechanism for annual rent increases, which many landlords may prefer over the risk of a problematic new tenant.
Simpler process in some cases
If you do need to use Ground 1 or 1A, you won’t have to provide certain documents like the EPC, Gas Safety certificates, or the ‘How to Rent’ guide, removing a common hurdle. Evidence of deposit protection will still be needed, though repayment can resolve any issues here.
Other grounds remain largely unchanged
Most grounds related to tenant misconduct stay the same. Ground 8 (rent arrears) will require three months of arrears instead of two, with notice extended to four weeks, but the principle remains.
You can still regain possession when you need to
Overall, the reforms are not as restrictive as some reports suggest. If you have a legitimate reason, the law still provides a way forward – with clearer rules and fewer procedural surprises.
Talk to us for advice tailored to your situation
Every landlord’s circumstances are different. If you’re unsure how the changes affect your property or plans, we’re here to help you understand your options and navigate what’s ahead.
Speak to David Charles today for clear, practical guidance.
