Preparing for the End of Section 21 Evictions on 1 May 2026: A Landlord’s Checklist

As a landlord, you need to understand how your tenancy will operate under the new rules.

From 1 May 2026, all assured shorthold tenancy agreements will automatically convert into periodic assured tenancies. There is no transitional period, the change is effective immediately from that date.

Here at Keelys we have a team of experienced litigation solicitors who are here to help provide you will all legal advice and support in relation to residential evictions.

We have prepared the below checklist to assist residential landlords with the transition.

Summary Checklist:

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1. Review your current tenancy agreement
2. Decide if you need to serve a Section 21 notice before 30 April 2026
3. Get to know/refresh yourself on the updated Section 8 grounds
4. Prepare to provide your tenant with the new documentation
5. Update your rent increase process
6. Check your letting policies and remove prohibited practices
7. Ensure safety and compliance documentation is up to date
8. Prepare for the new, mandatory landlord database registration
9. Prepare for the new Private Landlord Ombudsman
10. Communicate with your tenant about the changes

For further information and/ or to discuss in further detail, please contact our Patrick Farrington at pfarrington@keelys.co.uk or Elly Bassan at ebassan@keelys.co.uk.

The link to the Government’s recent press release on the end to Section 21 residential evictions can be viewed below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/no-fault-evictions-to-end-by-may-next-year