Section 21 Notice Letter: How to Serve a No-Fault Eviction
What Is a Section 21 Notice?
A Section 21 notice allows landlords to evict tenants without needing to give a reason at the end of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). This is often called a "no-fault" eviction.
Key Rules for a Valid Section 21 Notice
Before serving a Section 21 notice, landlords must ensure:
✅ The tenancy is an AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy).
✅ The tenant has lived in the property for at least 4 months.
✅ A minimum of 2 months' notice is given.
✅ The deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme.
✅ The tenant received a Gas Safety Certificate, EPC, and How to Rent Guide.
✅ The property is not subject to licensing breaches (e.g., unlicensed HMO).
Section 21 Notice Letter Template
[Your Name / Landlord's Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
To: [Tenant's Name]
[Tenant's Address]
[City, Postcode]
Subject: Notice Requiring Possession Under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
I am writing to formally serve you with a Section 21 notice under the Housing Act 1988 to regain possession of the property you currently rent at:
[Full Address of Rental Property]
You are required to vacate the property on or before [Eviction Date], which is at least two months from the date of this letter.
Please note that this notice complies with all legal requirements, including:
- Your deposit being protected under a government-approved scheme.
- Provision of the required documents (EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, How to Rent Guide).
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your departure, please contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name / Landlord’s Name]
How to Serve a Section 21 Notice
- Deliver in person (get the tenant to sign a receipt).
- Send via recorded delivery (keep proof of postage).
- Email (if allowed in the tenancy agreement).
What Happens After Serving a Section 21 Notice?
- If the tenant leaves before the deadline, no further action is needed.
- If the tenant refuses to leave, landlords can apply for a possession order from the court.
- If the notice is invalid, landlords must reissue it correctly.
How Fraser Bond Can Help
At Fraser Bond, we assist landlords with:
- Drafting legally compliant Section 21 notices.
- Managing the eviction process to avoid legal delays.
- Finding new tenants quickly after repossession.
Conclusion
A Section 21 notice is a powerful legal tool, but mistakes can make it invalid. Landlords should follow all legal steps carefully. For expert eviction support, contact Fraser Bond today.
