Glossary · UK
What is No-Fault Eviction Ban (Section 21)?
The abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions in England under the Renters' Rights Act, meaning landlords must give a specific legal reason to end a tenancy rather than simply giving notice.
Full Definition
Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 previously allowed private landlords in England to evict assured shorthold tenants without giving any reason, provided they followed the correct notice procedure — widely known as a 'no-fault' eviction because the tenant did not need to have done anything wrong. The Renters' Rights Act abolishes Section 21 entirely, meaning landlords will only be able to regain possession of a property by relying on one of a defined list of specific legal grounds under Section 8 of the Act, such as wanting to sell the property, moving in themselves or a close family member, significant rent arrears, or anti-social behaviour by the tenant. To offset the loss of the no-fault route, the reforms also strengthen and expand certain Section 8 grounds — for example, giving landlords a reliable ground to recover a property to sell or move into, subject to minimum notice periods and, in some cases, a minimum period of the tenancy having elapsed first — while campaigners for tenants argue the change gives renters far greater long-term security against being asked to leave with no explanation.