S.21 Notice periods – No fault eviction
The minimum notice period for s.21 eviction notices, also referred to ‘no fault evictions’ has been reduced to four months. This came into effect from 01 June 2021.
Prior to Covid-19 restrictions, the notice period was two months, this eventually increased to three months and then six months. The six-month notice period ended on 31 May 2021 and became four months’ notice. Ministers said the reduction in notice periods is in line with the nation ‘progressing cautiously’ through the roadmap out of lockdown.
Another key date to note is that, subject to public health advice, notice periods will return to pre-pandemic levels (two-month notice for s.21 notices) from 01 October 2021. We will have to wait and see if this is confirmed in the coming months.
Section 8 Notice periods
Notice periods are shorter for the most serious cases including anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse in the social sector and more than four months’ rent arrears.
After the blanket ban on evictions came to an end in September 2020, landlords with tenants who owed less than six months equivalent rent arrears were required to serve tenants with at least six months’ notice. If the arrears were six-months equivalent or more then there was an exception, the notice period was four weeks.
Housing minister Christopher Pincher said: “From the beginning of the pandemic, we have taken unprecedented action to protect renters and help keep them in their homes.
“As COVID restrictions are eased in line with the roadmap out of lockdown, we will ensure tenants continue to be supported with longer notice periods, while also balancing the need for landlords to access justice.
“Crucial financial support also remains in place including the furlough scheme and uplift to Universal Credit.”
David Renard, housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: “We recognise that the ban on eviction enforcement, which provided vital reassurance to renters during the pandemic, cannot continue indefinitely.
Key Dates
Subject to public health advice:
The notice period for s.21 notices is likely to be reduced to two months from 01 October 2021.
The s.8 notice period where tenants owe rent equivalent to two months or more may also be reduced to fourteen days from 01 October 2021.
If you are uncertain of about the correct notice period, please contact us on 0207 9936642 or email us at info@help4landlords.co.uk.