Already served a Section 21 notice? Your final chance to issue a possession claim is approaching.
If you served a Section 21 notice before the Renters’ Rights Act changes came into force, you may still be able to rely on that notice — but only for a limited time.
The final backstop deadline for many Section 21 possession claims is 31 July 2026. However, some notices may expire earlier, so you should not assume that you have until the final deadline.
If your tenant has not left and you want to rely on an existing Section 21 notice, we can review your notice, check your supporting documents, confirm the relevant deadline, and help you issue your possession claim before time runs out.
Use It or Lose It: your final chance to rely on an existing Section 21 notice.
Who this service is for
This service is for landlords and letting agents where:
- a Section 21 notice was served before 1 May 2026;
- the tenant has not left the property;
- you want to issue a possession claim before the relevant deadline;
- you are unsure whether your notice and supporting documents are valid.
This service is not for landlords who want to serve a new Section 21 notice. If you have not already served a Section 21 notice, you may need advice on the new Section 8 possession grounds instead.
Why you should act now
Section 21 notices have now been abolished for most new private rented sector cases in England. However, there is a limited transitional window for landlords who already served a valid Section 21 notice before the law changed.
For many notices, the final backstop deadline to start possession proceedings is 31 July 2026. Notices served earlier may expire before then.
If the deadline is missed, you may no longer be able to rely on your Section 21 notice and may need to start again using the new Section 8 process.
How we can help
Our landlord and tenant specialists can assist with:
- reviewing the Section 21 notice already served;
- checking the date of service and the applicable claim deadline;
- reviewing the tenancy agreement, deposit documents and prescribed documents;
- preparing and issuing the possession claim before the relevant deadline.
We aim to make the process quick, clear and cost-effective.
How it works
1. Send us your documents
Send us your tenancy agreement, Section 21 notice, proof of service, deposit documents, prescribed information, gas safety records, EPC, How to Rent guide evidence and any relevant correspondence.
2. We check your notice and deadline
We review whether the notice appears valid, whether the correct procedure is available, and when the claim must be issued.
3. We prepare your claim
If the claim can proceed, we prepare the court paperwork and supporting documents so that the claim can be issued before the relevant deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use a Section 21 notice that was already served?
Potentially, yes. If a valid Section 21 notice was served before 1 May 2026, you may still be able to rely on it, provided possession proceedings are started within the applicable transitional deadline.
Is the deadline always 31 July 2026?
No. 31 July 2026 is the final backstop for many claims, but some notices may expire earlier. We can check the relevant deadline for you.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
You may no longer be able to rely on your Section 21 notice. If you still want possession, you may need to use the new Section 8 process instead.
What documents do you need?
We will usually need the tenancy agreement, Section 21 notice, proof of service, deposit protection evidence, prescribed information, EPC, gas safety records, How to Rent guide evidence, property licence details where relevant, and any correspondence with the tenant.
Do not lose your final opportunity to rely on Section 21
If you have already served a Section 21 notice and the tenant has not left, you may have very little time left to issue your claim.
Instruct us today so we can review your documents, confirm your deadline, and help you issue your possession claim before it is too late.
