31 July 2026: Final deadline to apply for possession orders

You may be aware that, although Section 21 evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced transitional provisions for notices already served. As a result, Section 8 and Section 21 notices that were validly served before 1 May 2026 remain enforceable for a limited time.

Private landlords have until Friday, 31 July 2026 to apply to the court for possession orders, or up to the expiry date of the notice if this is sooner. After 31 July, the notices usually become invalid. Updated guidance will be made available once the deadline has passed.

There are still several grounds available to landlords who need to take back possession of their property. For full details on eviction rules, visit:

Landlords	Tenants
www.gov.uk/evicting-tenants	www.gov.uk/private-renting-evictions