What you can do after receiving a Section 21 notice
Your landlord may give you a Section 21 notice to start the process of ending your tenancy.
It may take over 18 months from the date you receive the notice, before bailiffs evict you. You can use this time to find somewhere new to live.
- You do not have to leave your home by the date on the notice.
- Your tenancy continues until you leave voluntarily, or you are evicted through the courts.
- Only court-appointed bailiffs can evict you.
Do not move out unless you have a secure place to live. Leaving too soon can be defined as becoming intentionally homeless and may affect the support you can get from the council.
If you do want to move out early, you can agree a mutual earlier end date with your landlord or give proper notice according to your tenancy agreement. Find more information on Shelter's website about how to deal with your landlord.
Check the notice is valid
If the Section 21 notice is not valid, you may not have to leave.
A Section 21 notice may not be valid if:
- It is not on Form 6A.
- You were served the Section 21 notice within the first four months of your tenancy.
- The notice period is less than two months.
- Your deposit was not protected within 30 days of starting your tenancy.
- You were not given required documents during your tenancy including:
- How to Rent guide
- energy performance certificate (EPC)
- gas safety certificate
- Your landlord charged banned fees or took a deposit over the legal limit.
- The property requires a licence but is unlicensed.
- The council has recently issued an improvement or emergency works notice due to serious health issues in your home.
Find more information on how to check if the notice is valid on the Citizen's Advice website.
If the notice is not valid, you may be able to challenge the eviction in court.
Find information on what to do if your section 21 is not valid on the Citizen's Advice website.
Contact the council for assistance
You can apply for assistance as soon as you receive a Section 21 notice.
If you are eligible for support, the Council may be required to prevent your homelessness.
Homelessness can only be prevented in one of two ways:
a) You can be helped to stay where you are, or
b) You can be helped to move somewhere else.
Find more information on how to apply for help if you receive a Section 21 notice.
Speak to your landlord
Tell your landlord or letting agent if you intend to stay in your home after the date on the Section 21 notice and/or if you are receiving help from the council.
Find advice on how to deal with you landlord on Shelter's website.
Get free early legal advice
The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service can provide free early legal advice. You can get independent legal advice at the same time as receiving support from the council.
Find a legal aid advisor on the government website.
Start considering alternative housing options
Even if you want to remain where you are, it is sensible to explore other options early.
- Understand your budget. Our Newham Money can provide advice on how to manage your personal budget and benefits and income maximisation.
- Look for private rented accommodation. Find advice on where to look for private rented properties on Shelter's website.
From 1st May 2026, landlords will not be allowed to issue new Section 21 notices. This will make it harder for landlords to evict tenants, and it will be less likely you will be evicted. Find out more about the Renters' Rights Act on Shelter's website.
Seek independent housing advice and support
Find independent advice from:
Advice on money and debt
There are several services that offer free, confidential and independent advice:
