Without Section 21, Will Landlords Quit the Rental Market?
Section 21
The private rental sector in the UK is bracing for a major shift. For decades, the Section 21 eviction notice has been a key tool for landlords, offering a way to regain possession of their properties without needing to prove fault. Often called the no fault eviction, Section 21 allowed landlords to end tenancies with relative ease, typically by giving tenants two months’ notice.
However, with the government’s long-anticipated Renters’ Reform Bill proposing to abolish Section 21, landlords are facing uncertainty — and many are asking: Without Section 21, will landlords start exiting the rental market altogether?
The Purpose of Section 21 and Why It Matters
Section 21 notice has long been controversial. While they provided landlords with a streamlined process to regain their properties, tenant rights groups have argued that the law creates housing insecurity, especially for families who may be evicted without having done anything wrong.
From a landlord’s perspective, Section 21 is often the last resort when tenants are difficult, stop paying rent, or damage property — situations that are difficult to navigate under current legal processes. Even with eviction specialists, the alternative Section 8 process requires court hearings and proof of specific grounds, often causing delays and financial losses.
Why Is Section 21 Being Scrapped?
The government’s intention to scrap Section 21 notices stems from its goal to improve fairness and security for tenants. Under the proposed reforms, tenancies would become open-ended, and landlords would need to use section 8 if they want to evict someone — meaning they would have to provide legitimate grounds such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or wanting to sell or move back into the property.
In theory, this sounds fair. But for landlords, the removal of Section 21 no fault evictions poses serious concerns — particularly when it comes to protecting their investments and ensuring reliable income.
How Landlords Feel: Growing Frustration
Many landlords are already expressing doubts about their future in the rental market. A recent survey from the National Residential Landlords Association found that nearly one in five landlords are considering selling their rental properties if Section 21 is removed.
This reaction isn’t based on greed, as some critics suggest, but rather on fear. The current court system is already slow and overburdened. Without Section 21, landlords worry they’ll be stuck with tenants they can’t remove even when there’s a genuine problem — unless they go through costly and prolonged legal processes.
Even with the help of tenant eviction specialists or an eviction specialist UK, the process can take months. During this time, a landlord could lose thousands in unpaid rent or deal with significant property damage. In some cases, evicting a tenant becomes nearly impossible when the courts are backlogged or the legal grounds aren’t considered strong enough.
The Rise in “Professional Tenants” and the Risk to Landlords
Another concern among landlords is the rise of so-called “professional tenants” — individuals who exploit the legal system to delay eviction or avoid rent payments. Without the ability to serve a Section 21 eviction notice, landlords fear they will be powerless against tenants who manipulate loopholes.
This is why eviction specialists are in higher demand than ever. First 4 landlord advice services have also seen increased inquiries from property owners looking to understand their rights and how to protect themselves if the legal landscape shifts.
Could the End of Section 21 Reduce the Supply of Rental Homes?
Yes — and that’s where the real crisis begins. If even a small portion of landlords decide to sell their properties due to the abolishment of section 21, the housing supply will shrink. This would put further pressure on renters, who are already struggling with affordability and limited options.
The irony is clear: A policy designed to protect tenants could backfire by making it even harder for them to find homes.
Let’s break down the likely impact:
- Higher rents: Less availability could drive prices up, especially in major cities.
- Stricter tenant screening: Landlords who stay in the market may become pickier about whom they rent to.
- Reduced flexibility: Short-term lets and student housing could decline as landlords seek long-term, less risky arrangements.
- Lower investment: Small landlords — who make up a large percentage of the UK rental market — may exit, leaving behind a market dominated by large corporate landlords.
What Are the Alternatives for Landlords?
If Section 21 is truly removed, landlords will need to adapt. This could include:
- Learning to use Section 8 more effectively — understanding which grounds are applicable and how to gather sufficient evidence.
- Working with tenant eviction specialists to ensure all procedures are followed correctly and legally.
- Hiring legal experts or an eviction specialist UK to navigate the complex and often slow legal system.
- Investing in landlord insurance to protect against non-payment of rent or damage.
- Using property management companies who understand the legal landscape and can advise on best practices.
Relying on resources like First 4 Landlord Advice to keep up with changing laws and regulations.
The Importance of Balanced Reform
No one is arguing that tenants shouldn’t be protected. The private rental sector needs regulation — but reform should be balanced. Landlords are not all exploitative, and many offer high-quality homes and fair agreements. Without them, the UK housing market simply cannot function.
Abolishing Section 21 without providing a fast, efficient, and fair alternative eviction process will push many responsible landlords out of the market. The remaining landlords may raise rents, reduce maintenance, or avoid offering tenancies to vulnerable renters — the very opposite of what the reform aims to achieve.
What Should Be Done?
If the government truly wants to protect both tenants and landlords, it must do more than just scrap Section 21 notices. It must also:
- Reform the court system to make evicting a tenant through Section 8 quicker and less costly.
- Offer better support and resources to small landlords.
- Implement a national database of bad tenants to prevent serial abuse of the system.
- Provide clearer legal protections and guidance, such as from organisations like First 4 Landlord Advice.
- Increase access to eviction specialists to ensure landlords aren’t left navigating complex legal systems alone.
Conclusion: Will Landlords Quit the Rental Market?
Some already are. Others are preparing for the worst. The truth is, many landlords are deeply invested in their properties — not just financially, but emotionally. They want to provide good homes, earn a fair income, and maintain control over their assets.
The removal of Section 21 won’t lead to a mass exodus overnight, but if done without proper support, it will steadily erode confidence in the private rental sector.
Landlords need security just as much as tenants do. Without it, the market becomes unbalanced, unpredictable, and ultimately unsustainable.
If you’re a landlord unsure how to navigate the post-Section 21 landscape, don’t wait until it’s too late. Connect with eviction specialists, seek first 4 landlord advice, or consult a trusted eviction specialist UK today — because securing your rights is the first step toward securing your property’s future.