Thursday 23-04-2026 - 11:27

 

Part 2: What is Section 21 & 4a?

 

 

We are back again to give you the full run down on the Renters’ Rights Act! (Remember you can read the full doc here).

This week is all about Section 21 and Ground 4a.

Section 21: the old rule where landlords could evict you without reason,  is to be abolished on the 1^st of May, after this date, landlords will have to prove they have a valid legal reason to evict you.  

Ground 4a: a new rule where, before you sign, a landlord will inform students that they plan to evict them later down the line to re-let the property to new students using a Ground 4a eviction notice, this will be given with 4 months’ notice. (only 2 months’ notice is required for this academic year)

 

Two students extremely content after reading up on their rights as renters

 

Why do these matter? 

From May 1^st, all tenancies for HMO and smaller properties only become periodic.

 

This means that: 

1. Your tenancy will run month-to-month rather than having a fixed end date.

2. You will now have the power to terminate your own tenancy with two months’ notice.

3. Your landlord may tell you (before you sign) that they plan to evict you using a Ground 4a eviction notice so that they can still rent to new students the following year.

 

Beware!

 

Warning: if one tenant serves a two-month eviction notice, all other tenants will also be evicted unless otherwise agreed with the landlord.

 

Important: If your landlord does not inform you of a Ground 4a eviction, it is on you to serve notice two months prior to you leaving! You must do this the day before your rent is due so that you do not pay more than the 2 months’ rent. 

 

If you are currently in a fixed-term contract: 

Your landlord may serve you a Section 21 eviction notice before they are abolished on the 1^st May 2026. This might have already happened for you. While this may seem scary, they will likely just use the original end date of your existing tenancy. 

If you do not get served a Section 21 eviction notice, you will be required to give two months’ notice before you leave (this can be in line with your original tenancy end date, or earlier if agreed upon by all tenants).

 

If you have already signed for a 2026/27 property: 

Your landlord will have one month from 1^st May 2026 to inform you if they plan to utilise a Ground 4A eviction later in the year 

 

A student diligently reading and scrutinising their tenancy agreement before signing.

 

What this means for future tenancy signings? 

If the landlord wants to use Ground 4a, you cannot sign your tenancy agreement more than six months before you move in 

For example: if you want to move in on the 1^st September, you cannot sign your contract before 1^st March – this means no more pressure to sign up for accommodation super early in the year!

 

Next week: Leaving Your Room Early