The 2026 Guide to UK Tenancy and Eviction Law
How UK tenancy and eviction law works in 2026 — the end of Section 21, the new grounds for possession, periodic tenancies as the default, and what it means for both landlords and tenants.
The 2026 Guide to UK Tenancy and Eviction Law
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced the most significant reforms to private rented sector law since the Housing Act 1988.
The End of Section 21 Evictions
Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 has been abolished. All evictions now require a ground. Key grounds landlords can now use include Ground 1A (sale of property), Ground 1B (moving in), Ground 8 (rent arrears, a mandatory ground), and Ground 14 (anti-social behaviour, a discretionary ground).
Periodic Tenancies: The New Default
The Renters' Rights Act abolishes fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies for new tenancies. All new private residential tenancies are now periodic tenancies with no end date. Tenants have greater security of tenure, and landlords must use one of the statutory grounds if they wish to recover possession.
What This Means for Landlords
Landlords need to understand the new grounds thoroughly, serve notices correctly, and be prepared for a court system that is under significant strain. An invalid notice wastes months.
What This Means for Tenants
Tenants now have significantly stronger security of tenure. A landlord cannot evict you without a ground. If your landlord serves a notice that is procedurally defective, you can challenge it.
This article provides general legal information only. It is not formal legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client or barrister-client relationship. If you need advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.
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