The government’s plan to scrap Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions is one of the biggest shake-ups in the rental sector in decades.
For landlords in Worksop – whether you own one property or manage a larger portfolio – these changes raise important questions:
- How will I regain possession of my property if needed?
- Will it be harder to deal with problem tenants?
- What can I do now to stay protected?
In this blog, we’ll explain what’s happening, what it means for Worksop landlords, and how you can stay compliant and in control.
What is Section 21?
Under the current rules, Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 allows landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason, once a fixed-term tenancy ends or during a periodic tenancy with at least two months’ notice.
It’s often used by landlords to:
- Sell the property
- Move back in themselves
- Regain possession after a tenancy ends
- Deal with issues without entering a formal dispute
Section 21 has long been viewed by landlords as a vital safety net – but it’s also been criticised by tenant groups for offering little protection against unfair evictions.
What’s changing?
Under the proposed Renters’ Reform Bill, Section 21 will be abolished. That means landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason (known as “no-fault” eviction).
Instead, all tenancies will move to periodic agreements with no fixed end date. Landlords will only be able to regain possession using Section 8, which requires specific grounds – such as:
- Selling the property
- Repeated rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Landlord or close family moving in
These grounds are being reviewed and expanded to help balance the removal of Section 21.
The Renters’ Reform Bill is expected to come into law in 2025 – although this may change depending on the political landscape.
Why is this happening?
The government says the change is aimed at:
- Providing more stability and security for tenants
- Preventing homelessness caused by sudden eviction
- Encouraging fairer, more professional rental practices
The challenge is making sure it also works for landlords – especially those who manage properties responsibly and simply want clarity and protection.
What does this mean for Worksop landlords?
Here’s how scrapping Section 21 could affect you and what you should do next.
1. You’ll need valid grounds to end a tenancy
Once Section 21 is removed, you’ll no longer be able to issue a two-month notice without a reason. You’ll need to rely on Section 8, and the reason must match one of the government’s approved grounds.
This includes:
- Selling the property
- Wanting to move in
- Serious rent arrears (2+ months)
- Consistent late payments
- Breach of tenancy terms
- Anti-social or criminal behaviour
What to do now:
Get familiar with Section 8 rules and upcoming updates. Make sure your tenancy agreements clearly outline expectations and responsibilities.
2. You’ll need solid documentation
With Section 8, you may need to prove the grounds for eviction. That means keeping:
- Rent payment records
- Notes on any complaints or neighbour issues
- Copies of correspondence
- Inspection reports
What to do now:
Use a digital system or letting agent to help you track rent, inspections and communication. Clear records will be key if you ever need to go to court.
3. Managing tenants could become more time-consuming
While most tenants in Worksop are respectful and reliable, situations do arise. Without Section 21, dealing with ongoing minor issues (e.g. untidy gardens, low-level complaints) may require more engagement – and formal notices.
What to do now:
Establish clear expectations from day one. Carry out regular inspections, respond promptly to issues, and keep relationships positive and professional.
4. The right letting agent matters more than eve
Navigating the new rules will take time, especially as updates roll out. Working with a local letting agent who understands the legislation and how it applies to Worksop is a major advantage.
Martin & Co Worksop will:
- Keep you compliant
- Serve the correct legal notices
- Handle tenant communication
- Support you through any possession proceedings
What to do now:
If you self-manage, consider whether a full management service could save you time, stress and risk in the new system.
Will it be harder to evict bad tenants?
In short – it depends.
You’ll no longer be able to end a tenancy without cause, but Section 8 is being strengthened to include more landlord-friendly grounds. These include:
- New powers to evict repeat rent arrears offenders
- Faster possession routes for anti-social tenants
- Reasonable notice periods for selling or moving in
If used correctly, the updated Section 8 process should give good landlords a fair path to reclaiming their property – even if it’s not quite as flexible as Section 21.
What about student lets?
Many Worksop landlords let students on fixed 12-month agreements. The Renters’ Reform Bill proposes ending fixed terms, which could cause issues with term dates and turnaround planning.
However, the government is still reviewing how the rules will work for student properties. A potential exemption is being explored for purpose-built and academic-year rentals.
What to do now:
Keep using fixed terms for now, but be prepared to adapt. We’ll update our landlords as soon as the student housing rules are confirmed.
What happens if I want to sell my property?
Under the new rules, you’ll still be able to end a tenancy to sell – but you’ll need to:
- Give 2 months’ notice
- Prove intention to sell (e.g. by listing the property)
- Wait until 6 months into the tenancy to issue notice
What to do now:
Plan your exit strategy in advance. If you’re thinking of selling, talk to us early so we can advise on timing and the right notice period.
How to stay protected as a landlord
The key takeaway is this: the rental landscape is changing, but you can still stay in control.
Here’s how:
Know your rights – learn how Section 8 works and which grounds apply to your situation
Use robust tenancy agreements – clear, up-to-date terms make all the difference
Keep everything documented – especially payments, inspections and communications
Respond quickly to problems – this builds goodwill and helps resolve issues early
Work with a trusted agent – local expertise makes managing change much easier
In summary
Section 21 may be going – but you’re not powerless.
Good landlords who understand the law, treat tenants fairly, and act promptly will still thrive in this new system. And with the right support in place, you can continue to protect your investment while adapting to the new rules.
At Martin & Co Worksop, we’re already preparing for the Renters’ Reform Bill. Our team is here to guide you through the changes, update your paperwork, and manage your tenancies with care and compliance.
