If you are relying on an old notice, your possession claim must be issued by the court no later than Friday 31 July 2026 – or by the earlier expiry date of the notice.
The deadline applies to:
- Section 21 notices served before 1 May 2026
- Section 8 notices served before 1 May 2026 using the previous form and grounds
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 from 1 May 2026. Notices served before this date can still be used during the transitional period, but this is coming to an end.
What landlords need to do
If you want to rely on a notice served before 1 May, you must make sure your possession claim is issued by the court by the relevant deadline.
Simply serving the notice, contacting a solicitor or preparing court paperwork is not enough.
If you miss the deadline, you will no longer be able to use the old notice and may need to start the possession process again under the new Section 8 rules.
Some notices may have an earlier deadline or may already have expired, so landlords should check their individual circumstances.
If you are unsure whether your notice or supporting documents are valid, you should seek independent legal advice as soon as possible.
This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice.
Find out more about possession notices served before 1 May 2026 on GOV.UK
