Getting my second Section 21 No-Fault Eviction Notice within two years was unexpected, to say the least.
Just a few weeks prior, our landlord had mentioned a desire to raise our rent, citing market rates and the need to align our rent with them.
Despite pointing out that we were paying more than a recently let house on our street, our landlord avoided negotiations and instead served us with an eviction notice, claiming he intended to move back into the property.
These words felt insincere and unfortunately familiar, as we had encountered a similar situation back in 2024. When my partner and I first moved into our duplex flat in a vibrant suburb of South Manchester, we were thrilled, only to discover a severe mold issue that affected our personal belongings.
After months of enduring the mold problem, our landlord surprised us with a Section 21 notice, stating his intention to sell the property. However, it came to light later that he relisted the property at a significantly higher rent just months after our eviction.
While I find the circumstances suspicious, current regulations offer limited recourse in such situations.
With the impending Renters’ Rights Act set to take effect on May 1, 2026, there is hope for improved tenant protections. The Act, passed on October 27, 2025, will end no-fault evictions, introduce stricter eviction grounds, and regulate rent increases and tenancy terms.
Under the new guidelines, landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without just cause, and rent increases will be limited to once a year at market rates. Unfair rental practices, such as refusing tenants with children or pets, will also be prohibited.
It appears that some landlords are preemptively issuing Section 21 notices to circumvent the upcoming regulations and potentially raise rents without explanation.
While the Renters’ Rights Act won’t impact our situation, it offers hope for a fairer rental market for those facing similar challenges.
Shelter, inundated with inquiries, supports the Act and emphasizes the importance of protecting renters from exploitation and homelessness.
As we await the Act’s full implementation, it is crucial for renters to understand their rights and seek support when needed.