I got a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026 — am I being evicted?
Direct answer
Possibly. A Section 21 notice served before 1 May 2026 is subject to the transition rules. The landlord must issue court proceedings by 31 July 2026 and obtain possession by 31 August 2026.
This page provides general legal information for renters in England. It is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, call Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or contact your local Citizens Advice.
Free checkers
- Section 21 checker
Run the free interactive checker for a personalised statute-backed analysis. - More renter questions
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Related guidance inside this topic
- If your next step turns on legacy Section 21 notice rules, read all Section 21 condition guides.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind legacy Section 21 notice rules, see legacy Section 21 checker before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with section 13 rent increase rules, check section 13 checker to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of landlord repair duties, use repairs checker for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with what happens after Section 21 ended so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.
Related articles
- Rent increase rules in England
The split between pre-1 May 2026 and post-1 May 2026 section 13 rules, including Form 4, Form 4A, notice periods, and tribunal rights. - Tenant rights in England: complete guide
The main overview page linking eviction, repairs, deposit protection, rent increases, and illegal eviction rights together. - Renter questions answered
Plain-English answers to the most-asked questions from private renters in England — eviction, deposits, rent increases, repairs, illegal eviction, and pets. - Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026. - Renters' Rights Act 2026: complete guide
The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes.
Common questions
- I got a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026 — am I being evicted?
- Possibly. A Section 21 notice served before 1 May 2026 is subject to the transition rules. The landlord must issue court proceedings by 31 July 2026 and obtain possession by 31 August 2026.
Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.