England · private tenancy guidance
Section 21 ended in England: what to check now
For private tenancies covered by the current England guidance, new Section 21 notices ended on 1 May 2026. Check the applicable rules before preparing or posting a possession notice.
Read current GOV.UK guidanceSources checked: 16 September 2026
What happened to an older Section 21 notice?
The final deadline to start a court claim using a qualifying pre-May Section 21 notice was 31 July 2026; some notices expired sooner. Proceedings started in time can continue. Posting a notice now does not restart that deadline.
Read the official guidance for notices given before 1 May 2026 for the scope and treatment of existing proceedings.
Check the rules for your tenancy
The current guidance describes the grounds-based Section 8 process for covered private tenancies in England. It excludes private registered providers of social housing and other arrangements. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate rules. Follow the official links for your situation and seek advice if the scope is unclear.
Printing, posting and legal service are separate
PostOwl can print a customer-prepared PDF and arrange its posting. It does not validate the document or decide whether posting meets your tenancy's service requirements. An order accepted for printing does not establish postal handoff or delivery.
Keep your own document copy. A dispatch record does not establish receipt, a valid notice or a completed legal service process. Read our guide to dispatch records and proof of posting before choosing a postal service for important correspondence.
Before ordering printing or postage
- Confirm which jurisdiction and tenancy rules apply.
- Have the document, required dates and service method checked.
- Check what evidence the recipient or procedure requires.
- Choose a service that actually supplies that evidence.
Section 21 and postal records
Does this guidance cover every tenancy?
No. This page concerns the private tenancies covered by the linked England guidance. Social housing, other arrangements and other UK nations can have different rules. Check the official scope before relying on it.
Does a PostOwl dispatch email prove valid service?
No. A dispatch record is not a Royal Mail Certificate of Posting, proof of receipt or a decision that a notice was legally served. PostOwl does not check your notice, grounds, deadline or permitted service method.
Can PostOwl choose the right notice for me?
No. PostOwl prints and posts customer-prepared PDFs. Use the current official guidance and an appropriate adviser to decide what document and service method your situation requires before ordering.
Check the current guidance first
Visit GOV.UKThis page provides general information and links to official sources. PostOwl is an independent printing and posting service, not a legal adviser.