The government has stated that the number of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions was already on a downward trend prior to their formal abolition under the new Renters' Rights Act. This assertion comes as the Ministry of Justice’s latest official possession statistics confirm a decrease in accelerated possession claims in England during the first quarter of 2026.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook highlighted in a written parliamentary response that accelerated possession claims in England saw a 12% reduction from January to March 2026 compared to the same period in the previous year. This data point was provided in response to a query from Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan regarding protections for tenants who received Section 21 notices just before the new legislation took effect on 1 May 2026.
Crucially, Mr Pennycook also confirmed that no additional protections were made available to tenants who had received a Section 21 notice before the ban was implemented. Instead, the government is channelling funding to local councils to assist individuals facing eviction. This includes significant investment through the Homelessness Prevention Grant, with £644.17 million allocated to local authorities for 2025/26, representing an uplift of £203.8 million compared to the previous year. This funding is intended to support services that prevent and respond to homelessness.
With the Renters' Rights Act now in force, landlords are legally required to use the Section 8 process if they wish to end a tenancy. This means they must provide a valid, specific reason for eviction, chosen from a defined list of grounds. Landlords must also adhere to specific notice periods depending on the ground cited. If a tenant does not vacate the property after the notice period, landlords must then apply to the courts for a possession order.
For tenants at risk of losing their homes, the government-funded Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service offers free, non-means-tested early legal advice. Organisations such as Shelter and Citizens Advice also provide specialist support and guidance. These services are vital for navigating the complexities of eviction proceedings, particularly for those who received notices before the new legislation offered greater security.