Guides › Rent and Deposits › Section 8 Eviction Notice: What It Means Now
Section 8 Eviction Notice: What It Means Now
Since 1 May 2026 landlords in England can no longer use "no fault" section 21 evictions, so they must use section 8 with a valid ground. Notice is usually 4 months, though it can be shorter for some grounds. A landlord cannot use selling or moving in as the reason in the first 12 months of the tenancy. If you stay after a valid notice ends, the landlord must go to court.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Section 8 Notices
The New Rules
From 1 May 2026 you can no longer be evicted using the 'no fault' section 21 process. Notice is usually 4 months but can be shorter for some grounds. Landlords cannot evict you for selling or moving in within the first 12 months of the tenancy. If you do not leave by the end of a valid notice, your landlord can apply to court for a possession order. source
Your Rights
No-fault Evictions Have Ended
Section 21 no-fault eviction has been abolished in England from 1 May 2026 (Renters' Rights Act 2025); landlords must use section 8 with a valid ground, and most existing assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies. source
Illegal Eviction
Removing you or your belongings without a court order or court-appointed bailiff may be illegal, and illegal eviction is a criminal offence. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 4 monthsUsual notice periodCan be shorter for some grounds
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the notice: which ground is used, the dates, and whether it is in your first 12 months.
Step 2 of 5
Get free advice straight away from Shelter or Citizens Advice.
Step 3 of 5
Keep paying rent if you can.
Step 4 of 5
Do not leave just because of the notice: the landlord needs a court order.
Step 5 of 5
If the landlord tries to remove you without a court order, contact the council or police.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on any renting problem.
Your Local Council
If you are threatened with illegal eviction.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Misusing a possession ground can lead to a rent repayment order against the landlord.
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If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/guidance/renters-rights-act-overview-for-tenants Checked 13 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/news_and_updates/what_to_expect_from_the_renters_rights_act Checked 12 October 2026
- gov.uk/private-renting-evictions/harassment-and-illegal-evictions Checked 13 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/check_your_tenancy_deposit_is_protected/deposit_not_protected Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026