Section 21 cases fell ahead of abolition claim government

The government has claimed Section 21 evictions had already decreased before they were abolished.

The government has confirmed data shows Section 21 cases fell before the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026.

It has also confirmed that no additional protections were provided to tenants who received Section 21 notices before the ban.

Possession claims in England decreased

In a written parliamentary question, Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan asked: “What protection is available to those tenants that were issued with a Section 21 notice by their landlords just before the Renters’ Rights Act came into force?”

In response, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said: “The latest Ministry of Justice official possession statistics, make clear that from January to March 2026, accelerated possession claims in England decreased by 12% compared to the same quarter in the previous year.

“The government-funded Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service provides access to free, non-means tested early legal advice to anyone at risk of possession proceedings and loss of their home.”

Mr Pennycook also confirmed that no additional protections were provided to tenants, and instead the government is providing funding to councils to support those facing eviction.

He adds: “Tenants at risk of eviction can seek advice from specialist providers such as Shelter and Citizens Advice.

“£644.17 million in funding through the Homelessness Prevention Grant has been made available to local authorities in 2025/26 to support them to deliver services to prevent and respond to homelessness. This includes an uplift of £203.8 million compared to 2024 to 2025.”

Landlords must now use Section 8 process

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords must now use the Section 8 process and give a reason for eviction. There are specific grounds on which a landlord can end a tenancy.

Landlords must give tenants the correct notice period depending on the ground being used. If a tenant does not leave the property during the notice period, landlords can apply to the court for possession and seek an eviction order.