With the long-anticipated abolition of Section 21 now making its way through Parliament as part of the Renters’ Rights Bill, we understand many landlords are feeling uneasy about what this means for their ability to regain possession of their rental properties.
This is not the end of your control as a landlord. While Section 21 (commonly known as the ‘no fault’ eviction route) will be going, the Section 8 process is being strengthened to provide new and clearer legal grounds for ending a tenancy when you have legitimate reasons.
Here’s what you need to know — and why staying informed means staying in control.
What’s happening to Section 21 and why?
Section 21 currently allows landlords to end an assured shorthold tenancy with two months’ notice once the fixed term has expired — without needing to provide a reason.
Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, this route will be removed in an effort to give tenants more security in their homes. While this might sound daunting, the government is introducing new and updated Section 8 grounds to ensure landlords can still regain possession when it’s justified.
In short: you will still be able to end a tenancy — you’ll just need to provide a reason under the revised rules.
So, what’s changing with Section 8?
With the phasing out of Section 21, the government is updating and expanding the Section 8 possession grounds to give landlords legitimate, structured routes to regain possession — without needing to prove tenant fault in every case.
These are known as mandatory grounds, meaning that if the ground is proven, the court must grant possession.
Here are some of the most relevant changes:
✅ Ground 1 – Landlord or family member moving in
Landlords will be able to take back their property if they or a close family member intend to move in. The tenancy must have been in place for at least 12 months before the notice expires.
Notice period: 4 months (Ground 1 – widened)
✅ Ground 1A – Selling the property
This is a brand-new ground allowing landlords to recover possession in order to sell. Again, the tenancy must be 12+ months old.
Notice period: 4 months (New ground)
✅ Ground 6 – Redevelopment
If the landlord intends to substantially redevelop or demolish the property, and the work can’t reasonably be done with the tenant living there, this ground applies.
Notice period: 4 months (Amended)
✅ Ground 8 – Serious rent arrears
Ground 8 has been amended. If the tenant is at least three months in arrears both at the time the notice is served and at the hearing, possession will be granted.
Notice period: 4 weeks (Amended)
✅ Ground 7A – Serious anti-social or criminal behaviour
This remains unchanged. Landlords can seek immediate possession where a tenant has been convicted of serious criminal or anti-social behaviour.
Notice period: Immediate – can vary (Unchanged)
✅ Ground 2 – Mortgage repossession
If the property is subject to a mortgage and the lender requires vacant possession, this ground can be used.
Notice period: 4 months (Amended)
You can also find a full breakdown of all current mandatory grounds — including those relating to supported accommodation, student lets, employment-based housing, and more — in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
What does this mean for landlords in Kent?
While we know change can be unsettling, the reality is this:
🔸 You’re not losing the ability to take back control of your property
🔸 You just need to show a valid reason — and follow the process correctly
🔸 Working with an experienced agent means you don’t have to figure it all out on your own
The new Section 8 grounds cover almost all the common reasons landlords used Section 21 in the past. Whether it’s needing to sell, move in, or deal with difficult tenants — the law still provides you with a way to do so, as long as you’re compliant and well-advised.
Want to talk this through?
If you’re feeling unsure about how the Renters’ Rights Bill or Section 8 changes might affect your properties, we’re here to help.
Book a free, friendly chat with our team today — we’ll help you stay compliant and confident as these reforms come into play.
