⚠️ Section 21 Has Been Abolished — Effective 1 May 2025
As a result of the Renters' Rights Act, Section 21 "no-fault" evictions were abolished on 1 May 2025. Section 21 no longer applies. Landlords must now rely on Section 8 grounds for possession. All existing and new tenancies are affected.
Tenancy Agreements
Tenancy solicitors for landlords — drafting, reviewing and advising on residential tenancy agreements, s48 notices, deposit protection and statutory compliance.
Correct documentation is critical to successful possession claims. From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act changes the required written information for new tenancies. We ensure your agreements are compliant from day one.
What We Advise On
Drafting Tenancy Agreements
Bespoke tenancy agreements drafted to reflect your specific property, tenant and circumstances — not generic templates.
Reviewing Existing Agreements
We review your existing tenancy agreements and identify clauses that could cause problems in possession proceedings.
Statutory Compliance
Ensuring your agreement and pre-tenancy documentation meets all statutory requirements — prescribed information, EPC, gas safety, s48 notice and more.
Deposit Protection
Advising on deposit protection obligations, prescribed information requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.
Avoiding Eviction Pitfalls
Identifying common documentation errors that invalidate Section 21 notices and possession claims before they cause problems.
Post-May 2026 Compliance
Updating your tenancy documentation and onboarding processes to comply with the Renters' Rights Act from 1 May 2026 — including new rent increase notice requirements.
Renters' Rights Act — From 1 May 2026
New Written Information Requirements
From 1 May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with certain written information about key terms of the tenancy before signing. This is a new statutory duty — not just best practice.
Rent increases must now be made using a Section 13 notice — once per year only. Informal rent increases are no longer effective. We advise on the correct rent increase notice procedure.
For existing tenancies, landlords must also provide a government information sheet to tenants by 31 May 2026. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £7,000.
Read our full Renters' Rights Act guideFAQs
Common Questions About Tenancy Agreements
Was Section 21 abolished?
Yes. Section 21 no-fault eviction was abolished on 1 May 2025 under the Renters' Rights Act. Landlords can no longer recover possession without giving a reason. All possession claims must now rely on specific grounds under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988.
What is a Section 8 notice?
A Section 8 notice is served where a tenant has breached the tenancy — most commonly rent arrears. It sets out the grounds relied upon and gives the tenant notice before possession proceedings can be issued. Section 8 is now the only route for possession following the abolition of Section 21 on 1 May 2025.
What is a s48 notice?
A Section 48 notice (s48 notice) is a notice that landlords must serve on tenants providing an address in England or Wales at which notices can be served on the landlord. Failure to serve a valid s48 notice means rent is not technically due — a common but overlooked compliance issue.
What pre-tenancy documents must a landlord provide?
Landlords must provide tenants with: a valid EPC, a current gas safety certificate, the government's How to Rent guide, deposit protection prescribed information, and a valid s48 notice. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords must also provide a written statement of tenancy terms before the tenancy begins. Missing any of these can affect your ability to rely on Section 8 grounds. We carry out a pre-notice compliance review as standard.
How often can a landlord increase rent?
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords can only increase rent once per year using the correct statutory process — a Section 13 notice. Informal rent increases are no longer effective. We advise on the correct procedure to ensure rent increases are legally valid.
Our Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Jane Clutton
Director & Solicitor
With almost 30 years' experience in landlord and tenant law, Jane understands exactly what makes a tenancy agreement watertight — and what can go wrong when it isn't. She advises on drafting, reviewing and updating agreements to ensure full statutory compliance, including the new requirements under the Renters' Rights Act from May 2026.
Get Your Tenancy Agreement Reviewed
Send us your agreement or tell us what you need and we will advise on the best approach.
Prefer to call? 01244 757352