You may start hearing about something called a Section 21 notice — or you might even receive one yourself.
Right now, landlords across the UK are being advised by the National Residential Landlords Association to serve these notices before 1 May, while they’re still legal. That means more students in private rented housing could start seeing them in the coming weeks.
If that happens to you, it can feel scary. These are formal legal documents, and at first glance, they can look like an immediate eviction notice.
But here’s the reality.
What a Section 21 notice actually is
A Section 21 is often called a “no-fault” eviction. That means:
It’s simply a legal route landlords can currently use to regain possession of a property.
What it doesn’t mean
Receiving a Section 21 notice does not mean you have to pack up and leave straight away.
It’s not an instant eviction.
Your landlord still has to follow a legal process, which includes going through the courts if you don’t leave by the date on the notice. That process takes time — so you do have space to understand your situation and figure out your next steps.
What you should do
While you don’t need to panic, you shouldn’t ignore it either.
Getting advice early can make a huge difference. It helps you:
We’re here to help
If you receive a Section 21 notice — or you’re worried you might — you’re not on your own.
👉 That’s where we come in.
We can talk you through what it means, what your options are, and what to do next.
Get in touch with us for advice and guidance via our advice service