Last updated: April 2026
Section 21 law has changed
Section 21 notices for most private tenancies in England changed from 1 May 2026. This checker covers England and includes transitional rules for notices served before 1 May 2026. Always verify current rules with Shelter or a housing adviser.
Validity verdict
Seek advice from Shelter before leaving the property or responding to court papers.
OK: Served before Section 21 abolition date
Most private landlords cannot serve new Section 21 notices on or after 1 May 2026.
OK: Correct Form 6A used
The notice should be on Form 6A or contain the same required information.
OK: Deposit protected and prescribed information given
A landlord usually cannot use Section 21 if the tenancy deposit rules were not followed.
OK: EPC provided
Failure to provide an EPC can make a Section 21 notice invalid.
OK: Gas safety certificate provided
Failure to provide gas safety documents can make a Section 21 notice invalid.
OK: How to Rent guide provided
Failure to provide the correct How to Rent guide can make the notice invalid.
OK: No recent repair complaint or council notice
A recent repair complaint or council improvement notice can block retaliatory eviction.
OK: Not served in first 4 months of tenancy
A Section 21 notice usually cannot be served in the first 4 months of the original tenancy.
OK: At least 2 months notice given
The notice must usually give at least 2 months before the expiry date.
OK: Periodic tenancy date alignment
For this rent day, the notice should end on or around 01/04/2026.
The notice expiry date has passed. Your landlord still needs a court order, and must start any possession claim before the court claim deadline.
You do not have to leave just because you receive a Section 21 notice. Your landlord must go to court and get a possession order before you are legally required to leave. You have the right to stay until the court orders otherwise.
Shelter provides free, expert housing advice. A local council housing options team can also help if you could become homeless.
Contact Shelter ->A Section 21 notice was the no-fault route for ending an assured shorthold tenancy in England. It only worked if the landlord met strict notice, document, and deposit requirements.
No. A notice is not a court order. Your landlord must apply to court and get a possession order before you are legally required to leave.
Common problems include the wrong form, deposit rule breaches, missing EPC, missing gas safety certificate, missing How to Rent guide, early service, and retaliatory eviction after repair complaints.
This calculator is designed to help you understand the likely number before you make a decision or start an application.
Your result should be checked against official UK guidance, especially if your circumstances include dependants, exemptions, prior leave, or a complex immigration history.
Treat the figure as a planning tool rather than legal advice. Where the answer affects an application deadline or major payment, speak to an authorised adviser.
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