M&P Estates: Tenant Guidance on Section 21 Notices
What is a Section 21 Notice?
A Section 21 Notice is a legal document that landlords can issue to end an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) in England. It is often referred to as a “no-fault” eviction because the landlord does not need to provide a reason for ending the tenancy.
This notice gives tenants at least two months to vacate the property after it has been served, provided that all legal conditions are met.
Why Might You Receive a Section 21 Notice?
At M&P Estates, we only issue Section 21 notices when it's necessary, and this could be due to:
The landlord wants to sell the property.
The landlord needs the property back for personal use.
At the end of the fixed-term tenancy, no renewal is agreed upon.
Other specific circumstances, such as breaches of tenancy agreements.
What to Expect from Your Local Authority
In many cases, tenants receiving a Section 21 notice will contact their local council for advice and support, particularly regarding rehousing. Here’s what to expect:
Council Advice: In most cases, the local authority may advise tenants to remain in the property until a court orders eviction. They may suggest not leaving immediately, as this could affect your housing application.
Court Proceedings: If you do not vacate the property by the notice expiry date, the landlord may apply for a court order for possession. The council will likely advise you to wait until the court grants an eviction date and a Court Bailiff is appointment to carry out the Court Order.
Council Rehousing: Typically, the local council will only step in to help with rehousing once the court has issued an eviction date. Until then, they may not offer alternative housing options.
Legal Costs: What is often not emphasised is that tenants may be liable for legal costs if the case goes to court. These fees can amount to around £1,650 or more, which you may be responsible for if the eviction process proceeds through legal channels.
M&P Estates' Approach
We value our tenants and understand that receiving a Section 21 notice can be stressful. Before proceeding with any legal action, we prefer to work together to find a solution that works for both parties.
Avoiding Legal Costs: Our goal is to avoid taking the matter to court and help you transition smoothly into a new property. By vacating within the notice period, you can avoid any additional legal fees.
Assistance in Finding a New Property: We are happy to help you find a suitable new home and encourage you to keep your details up to date on our system. If a suitable property becomes available, we will notify you as soon as possible.
What Should You Do Next?
Contact Us: If you receive a Section 21 notice, we encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss your options.
Explore Other Properties: Make sure your contact details are active in our system so we can notify you of any properties that meet your requirements.
Seek Advice: While we aim to help as much as possible, you can also contact your local authority for additional support or guidance.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about the Section 21 notice or need assistance, please reach out to M&P Estates. We’re here to support you during this process.
