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Giving Notice to Tenants

Ending a Tenancy After 1 May 2026: What Landlords Need to Know

From 1 May 2026, the rules for ending a tenancy are changing significantly under the Renters’ Rights Act. If you’re a landlord, you’ll no longer be able to rely on Section 21 notices. Instead, you’ll need to follow a new process using Section 8 grounds, valid reasons, and the correct notice periods.

Understanding these changes is essential to avoid delays, legal issues, or invalid notices.

See below our Guide to Ending Tenancies. This guide explains what landlords must do if they need a tenant to leave under the Renters’ Rights Act, which applies on or after 1 May 2026.

For current rules (before this date), refer to existing guidance on ending a tenancy, section 21, and section 8 notices.

Summary of Changes

  • Section 21 “no fault” evictions are being abolished
  • All tenancies become assured periodic tenancies
  • You must provide a legal reason (ground) to evict
  • Notice periods and rules vary depending on the situation

Don’t Risk Getting It Wrong

  • Serving the wrong notice or missing deadlines could mean:
  • Your eviction is delayed
  • Your notice becomes invalid
  • You have to restart the process

Free Landlord Checklist

To make things simple, we’ve created a checklist briefly covering:

  • When you can evict a tenant
  • The correct notice to serve
  • Required notice periods
  • What to do if tenants don’t leave
  • Key legal deadlines and rules

Download the Checklist below.

Call Before You Serve (CB4YS)

Derby City Council

Derby City Council offers a “Call Before You Serve” service, which gives landlords the opportunity to seek advice and support before issuing notice to a tenant. The aim is to help resolve issues early, potentially avoiding the need for formal eviction proceedings.

The service is free for landlords and is currently available within Derby City Council and select neighbouring local authority areas that have adopted or partnered with the scheme. Availability can vary, so landlords should check with their local council to confirm whether it is offered in their area.

Using this service can be a valuable first step before serving notice. Not only can it help facilitate early communication or mediation between landlord and tenant, but it also demonstrates that the landlord has taken reasonable and proactive steps to resolve the situation.

If a case later proceeds to court, evidence that you engaged with a service like this can help show due diligence and responsible management, which may support your position when seeking possession.

Overall, it provides a practical opportunity to resolve issues sooner, reduce conflict, and strengthen your case if formal action becomes necessary.

Contact the team to see if their service covers your area:

https://www.derby.gov.uk/housing/housing-options/call-b4-you-serve/