Apply for help from the council if you receive a Section 21 notice
A Section 21 notice is a legal notice a private landlord can use 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 have the right to stay in your home until you leave voluntarily, or you are evicted through the courts. Do not move out until you have a secure place to live.
Find more information on the Section 21 eviction process
Make an application as soon as you receive a Section 21 notice. You do not need to wait until you are homeless to get help.
The council is currently receiving a very high number of applications. The most urgent cases must be prioritised first. If you have recently received a Section 21 notice, you will not be evicted for several months, so it may take several weeks or months before the council contacts you.
Apply to the council for assistance
If you are eligible for support with homelessness, the council can help by:
- checking if the Section 21 notice is valid
- speaking to your landlord
- advising on rent arrears, debt or budgeting
- advising on housing options (including private rented housing, which may be outside your local area)
To apply for assistance: submit a Homelessness Prevention Application
Upload a copy of the Section 21 notice in your application.
Find details about the documents you will need to provide.
If you need help accessing a computer or scanners you can visit one of our libraries.
You can also get help filling out forms.
Provide as much information in your application as possible, to make sure your situation is understood and you are offered the correct support.
What happens next
After submitting your application, the council will:
- Review your application to determine if you are eligible for assistance and the urgency of your case.
- Contact you by phone or email. In most cases you will receive a response in 2 weeks. This may be longer if you have only recently received the notice, or a copy of the notice is not uploaded with your application.
The Homeless Prevention Team will make three attempts to contact you over two days. If you do not respond, it may be assumed that you no longer require assistance and your application will be closed.
It may be more than two weeks before you are booked an appointment with a housing advisor. Before your appointment you can:
- check the notice is valid
- look into how to find an alternative private rented home
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 again. Find out more about the Renters' Rights Act on Shelter's website.
Find more information if you have been evicted after receiving a Section 21 notice
Longer term housing options
The council only has a duty to provide temporary accommodation to people who are in priority need. Priority need is defined by government legislation.
Find information on who has priority need on Shelter's website.
The majority of people who are eligible for homelessness support will be assisted to find housing in the private rental sector.
Due to the limited supply of affordable accommodation in Newham, you may have to consider moving to other areas outside of Newham. Find more information in Newham's Housing Placements Policy.
It is advised that you search for accommodation that meets your preferences. If the property meets suitability and affordability requirements, housing officers can then support you in securing it.
Independent advice and support
You can also get free legal advice from the national Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service, find a legal aid advisor on the government website.
Find independent advice from:
